Passing down Dancing Skills

Gema Tsering is the third generation of dancers in his family. His father, Lorong Tashi, was known to be a good dancer in the town. At a very young age, Tsering surprised his family and neighbors with his strong interest in and talent for mimicking the singing and dancing he saw. He formally served an apprenticeship with his father at the age of 15, and soon won his own fame locally.

Xueqiang has been passed down in words and stories. In 1980, Gema Tsering organized amateur troupes in Zishi and Waka villages to teach the younger generation, including his three children, the skills of dancing.

Tsering also composed songs and choreographed dance steps to absorb elements of the new times. He led his troupes to perform in Tardo, capital of Garze, many times. In 1987, he was awarded by the county government, and the troupe came second in a dancing competition. In the first arts festival held in Derong in 1990, his troupe won third place.

Seeing young people learn this dance makes Tsering happiest. “Xueqiang is a mixture of multiple cultural characteristics such as Han, Tibetan, and Naxi. It is a special art form of Waka Village, but also a reflection of the integration of ethnic groups,” Tsering said. The veteran dancer praised young successors as well as the efforts made by the government to preserve this ancient art. “Zishi and Waka villages have organized troupes. I know the future for the dance is bright.” As he said this he began to sing in joy. His ballad was melodious and soft, reaching deep into the heart of anyone who was listening.