Silk Road dance drama revives ancient Qiuci in Beijing

The second chapter of the performance features a dance piece that won the gold award for national and folk dance at the 14th Lotus Award — the top national awards for dancing in China — and stands as a highlight of the entire show. The Samawar dance originates from Kuqa's traditional dances and refers to the utensils used to brew tea. The dance evolved from the movement of welcoming guests to teahouses.

Throughout the dance, the performers demonstrate incredible precision and grace as they rotate and shift, keeping various items perfectly balanced. The piece beautifully showcases skills that have been passed down through generations, merging tradition with artistry, while highlighting the importance of intangible cultural heritage.

Over 50 dancers from Kuqa joined the performance, including national dance award winners.