BEIJING- Chinese ribbon dancing is a traditional art form that originates in ancient China and has been performed for over 1000 years.

Using sharp, rhythmic movements and long colorful ribbons dancers perform to traditional Chinese music.

Legend has it that this dance originates from a man using his silk sleeve to block a Han Dynasty emperor from an assassin’s sword. The people of the Han dynasty created and performed the ribbon dance in gratitude and honor, where the ribbons symbolize the sleeve of the hero. Nowadays, the dance is usually performed with the intent of appreciation or celebration.

The dance is performed for practically all Chinese cultural festivals. It used to be that this dance was only presented to royal figureheads, but now it is a form of entertainment to the general public.

Usually females perform the Chinese ribbon dance, due to grace, elegance, and beauty being major factors to the piece.

The ribbons and choreography are precisely synchronized so that the ribbons form patterns and designs in the air that are captivating to all who watch a performance.

This dance is done to express happiness and joy. Because the dancers enjoy a lot of freedom and liberty in the particular dance form, it creates an impact of freedom of spirit and a loving heart in the eyes of the viewers.

In the Han and Tang Dynasties, this dance was only performed to the royals as a form of entertainment. Today, the ribbon dance expresses beauty and grace.

The art of Chinese ribbon dancing is celebrated not only in China, but around the world as both dance students and others enjoy its beautiful style and ability to charm audiences all over the world.

Anyone can get onto a community stage and twirl around a ribbon, however achieving the true art of Chinese ribbon dance takes practice, precision and perfection. When performing such a dance, you are representing an entire culture and a history of dancers, and this is a weighty responsibility.

Photo: A Chinese woman practicing ribbon dance in Ritan public park in Beijing (By Mahnaz Abdi)