High atop the plateau of Chongye County in the Xizang Autonomous Region, the crisp mountain air is filled with anticipation. Grandpa Nyima, a venerable figure in his community, is meticulously preparing for the upcoming Wangguo Festival. This year, he harbors a heartfelt ambition: to reunite his former students and revive the traditional Jiuhe Dro Dance, an integral part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage.
Among those he reaches out to is Badro, a talented dancer who once graced the festival stages under Nyima’s guidance. Now working far from home, Badro finds himself in a difficult position. “I want nothing more than to dance again,” he confides, “but leaving work isn’t easy.” The pressures of modern life have scattered many of Nyima’s protégés, tying them to obligations that pull them away from their cultural roots.
The dilemma faced by Badro is shared by many. The younger generation grapples with balancing economic needs and the desire to preserve their heritage. “Our traditions are a melody that binds us to our ancestors,” Nyima reflects. “If we stop dancing, that melody fades.” Despite these challenges, his determination does not waver.
Nyima’s dream is more than a performance; it’s a resurgence of cultural identity. The Wangguo Festival, with its vibrant dances and communal celebrations, serves as a beacon of unity. “Each step of the Dro Dance tells a story,” explains Nyima. “It’s a language without words, spoken through movement.”
Efforts to keep the Dro Dance alive resonate beyond the festival. They highlight a broader narrative of preserving cultural practices in the face of modernization. Scholars and cultural enthusiasts observe that such traditions are vital threads in the fabric of Asian heritage.
As the festival approaches, Nyima remains hopeful. He believes that by sharing the importance of the Dro Dance, he can inspire not just his former students but an entire community to embrace their legacy. “The echo of our drums can reach even those far away,” he says with a gentle smile.
Whether or not the full ensemble will gather remains uncertain. However, Nyima’s unwavering spirit embodies the enduring connection between past and present, a reminder that cultural melodies linger as long as there are hearts willing to keep them alive.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
