On a splendid summer day, the campus is alive with vibrant energy. In the class taught by Liu Peng, a first-class actor and a lecturer at Liaoning University, college students from various departments are learning the Yangge handkerchief dance together. Li Juan (Vertical Handkerchief Spin), Ding Juan (Top Handkerchief Spin), and Pao Juan (Handkerchief Toss)—the dazzling array of handkerchief manipulation techniques creates a lively atmosphere.
Among the crowd, a Russian international student named Elizaveta stands out. She is fully focused on imitating the teacher’s movements as she learns the Northeast Yangge handkerchief dance. For Elizaveta, this is not only a journey to learn the dance, but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Liaoning’s folk culture.
Yangge is a representative folk dance in Northeast China. It was listed in the first batch of China’s national-level intangible cultural heritage items. This beloved and lively dance originated from the agricultural labor of farmers in Northeast China. During the yearly spring plowing, men, women, and children from farming families work together in the fields, planting rice seedlings while singing. During slack farming seasons, they gather to sing and dance joyfully, giving rise to the name “Yangge”.
Elizaveta got to know Yangge performance at a cultural exchange event. The upbeat rhythms, nimble movements, and fluttering handkerchiefs instantly captivated her. “I am deeply drawn to this dance, full of energy and passion, which is completely different from any style I’ve seen before. Yangge reflects the open, diverse, and inclusive aesthetic philosophy and unique artistic sensibility of Northeast China. It is incredibly engaging and very down-to-earth.” Elizaveta said excitedly.
Yangge vividly showcases the passionate, straightforward, and resilient character of the people of Northeast China, especially through the intricate and exquisite manipulation of the handkerchief in the dance. Elizaveta was deeply captivated by the Yangge handkerchief dance and specifically sought out Mr. Liu to learn this traditional folk art.
“The most challenging part of the Yangge handkerchief dance is the flexibility of the wrists and the coordination of the body.” Elizaveta said, “At first, I couldn’t control the spinning speed of the handkerchief, let alone toss and catch it. With Mr. Liu’s patient guidance, I practiced every day and gradually grasped the essentials.”
Under Mr. Liu’s instruction, Elizaveta began with the basic steps and gradually mastered the essential techniques of turning, tossing, and catching the handkerchief. After a period of training, Elizaveta not only learned techniques such as Shuang Ding Juan (Double-Top Handkerchief Spin) and Dan Ding Juan (Single-Top Handkerchief Spin), but also frequently performed on stage at cultural events organized by the university.
“I feel very lucky to study the Chinese language and culture in Liaoning while also experiencing the unique art form of the Yangge handkerchief dance. People from Liaoning all love dancing Yangge. In squares and parks, the sounds of applause, laughter, and cheers blend, creating a delightful and invigorating feast for the senses.” Elizaveta said, “This is the true charm of Northeast China’s folk culture.”
