Ewenki folk songs, slow and loose, evoke the vast expanses of the grassland. Dancing styles vary according to region and occasion.

Swan Dance

Swans are loved by nomadic tribes, especially by women. They have white and bright feathers and graceful posture. Girls view the swan as a symbol of pure love and youth and beauty. One finds Swan Dances in Kazakh, Ewenki and Hezhe nationalities.

In the swan dance of Kazakh ethnic group, women's love for the swan is expressed. Their soft arms make the dance gentle and brisk. The movements from the shoulder, through the arm and to the fingertip create a scene of a swan making ripples in water or hovering in the gentle spring breeze. During the dance, performers' wrists droop down in a static way wherever their arms are--above the head, at both sides of their bodies or one in front and one behind, which presents the unique charm of the dance among Kazakh women.

Nugaili Dance

A dance called Nugaili Dance, also known as Ahanba, is performed by women at wedding ceremonies. There are no accompanying instruments; the tempo (speed) is set by the singers' voices. Each group consists of two to four dancers. In the beginning, they cry softly, "A-Han-Ba, A-Han-Ba," while swinging their arms. Then they turn face to face, and bend their knees. The tempo is gradually increased and the rhythm is intensified by the movement of their feet until they are dancing in full swing. Another dance, performed by two young men, acts out a confrontation between a hunter and a wild hog.