Xieqin is a traditional folk song and dance performed during significant events within the Tibetan community. It is prevalent in regions such as Shannan, Lhasa, and Shigatse. This art form prominently features singing and dancing, characterized by its unique performance style, rich lyrical content, elegant presentation, heartfelt melodies, and vibrant rhythms.
In the village of Xue in the Sal Township of Shigatse, a local variant known as Sal Xieqin exists, which is performed at the foot of the Luanqing Snow Mountain. Historical research traces the origins of Sal Xieqin back to 1883. Its ancient melodies and distinct expressions embody the rich cultural ambiance of Tibet while highlighting local characteristics. Initially, this dance was performed during religious events and noble birthdays, encompassing themes of blessings, prayers, happiness, and peace. To this day, the village of Xue in Sal Township hosts a four-day Sal Xieqin performance prior to the start of spring plowing in the Tibetan lunar calendar, symbolizing good weather, abundant harvests, and a harmonious society.
In 2018, Sal Xieqin was recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage. It has been featured in the “Beautiful China Journey” program, particularly in the segment titled “Walking the Border: Journey on National Highway 219,” and has received promotional coverage from various media outlets at the district, city, and county levels.
Sal Xieqin is a traditional dance from Sal Township, known for its unique style and performance format, blending speaking, singing, and dancing into a cohesive experience. The performance involves dancers arranged in a circle executing about ten different movements, such as “two steps and a stomp” and “one step and a lift,” with music featuring 13 different singing styles performed by two alternating groups. The lyrics are rich, combining classical poetry and folk songs, and performances are diverse with distinct structures, melodies, rhythms, and tempos.
Yundan Zhuoma, a recognized inheritor of Sal Xieqin at the provincial level, shared that throughout its historical evolution, the dance faced significant challenges and nearly faded into obscurity. Luckily, through various efforts, it began to make a comeback in 1963; however, interest among younger generations started to wane. Recently, with national and regional support, Sal Xieqin is experiencing a revival. “Participants in performances receive financial support,” explained Ram, the chairperson of the People’s Congress of Sal Township, adding that the performance costumes are funded by the government.
Currently, the Sal Xieqin team comprises 67 members, with eight members under the age of 30. Yundan Zhuoma, who has dedicated over 20 years to Xieqin, has also taken on a mentee named Qusang, who now leads the team and has been recognized as a city-level inheritor of Sal Xieqin. “We strive to retain the original essence of Sal Xieqin while improving the choreography and costumes to better reflect the contemporary spirit of our farmers and herders,” she stated.
Author: Li Meiying Editor: Hu Hanxiao
