Cultural Memory and Identity in Motion: Analyzing the Performance Characteristics of Yellow Mud Drum Dance

Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on New Findings in Humanities and Social Sciences

Year: 2024

DOI:

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Cultural Memory and Identity in Motion: Analyzing the Performance Characteristics of Yellow Mud Drum Dance

Fu Anke

 

 

ABSTRACT:

The Yellow Mud Drum Dance is deeply rooted in Yao ritual practices, serving both as a reservoir of cultural memory and a dynamic expression of collective identity. This study explores the performance characteristics of the Yellow Mud Drum Dance, highlighting how traditional cultural elements are preserved and transformed in the processes of modernization and globalization. Based on fieldwork conducted in Jinxiu, Guangxi, China, this study examines the symbolic significance of the choreography, music, and spatial arrangements, illustrating how it enhances community cohesion and emotional resonance among participants. As the dance transitions from ritual settings to modern performance venues, it has adapted while preserving its core cultural meaning, offering insights into the ongoing negotiation between heritage preservation and cultural innovation. The results indicate that the Yellow Mud Drum Dance exemplifies the resilience of intangible cultural heritage, offering a model for understanding the evolving role of traditional performances in a globalized world.

keywords: Yao Yellow Mud Drum Dance; Dance Performance Culture; Emotional Energy; Intangible cultural heritage