Sanam Dance
( 2005-09-13 )

Most movements inSanamcome from life, such as "holding a hat," "rolling up sleeves," "picking up one's skirt," "looking into the distance with one hand on the forehead," and "putting one hand on the chest." Due to limited performance space,Sanamhas developed the coordination of different parts of the body and various postures to express the dancers' joyful feelings.

The steps feature controlled but not stiff knees and flexible, light movements of the legs, closely coordinated with the drumbeat. The most common sequence of steps is three steps forward and one backward kick, the legs steady but shivering slightly. The fourth step, when the performer slides his foot on the ground and kicks backward, is neat and lively.

One often sees old men and necks and shaking their heads when happy. Such movements have been assimilated intoSanam.

Differences in dialect, natural surroundings, historical background, and customs have produced varied styles ofSanamin different places. In some areas,Sanamperformed in cities and towns is different from that performed in the countryside.

Sanamperformed in Kashi is typical of southern Xinjiang and is noted and the refined movements of the different parts of the body. The gestures are extremely varied.

Sanamperformed in lli is representative ofSanamin northern Xinjiang. With elements drawn from the dances of other ethnic minorities, the IliSanamis known for its boldness, abrupt stops, and comic touches.

Sanamin Hami is typical of eastern Xinjiang. Its slow tempo has an unusual 5/8 beat. The steps are sedate, and the dancers usually simply hold their half-clenched hands over their head.

Since the dance takes on different characteristics in different places, people usually refer to it as KashiSanam, IliSanam, and so on.

The accompaniment has evolved from the folk music in different places. It is melodious and expressive, with striking rhythm. The instruments usually include tambur, rawap, dutar (all plucked stringed instruments), satar, a bowed stringed instrument, and dup (tambourines). The tambourines control the speed. The sound of the instruments spreads far and wide.