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Master of an ancient Miao folk dance

 

However, Lan's teaching has faced countless unfriendly comments from fellow villagers.

"The old rule forbids us to teach the dance outside the village," Lan said. "Old villagers especially felt that I was breaking the rule."

But he insists he did the right thing.

"The dance is not suitable for the old men, but young people have been seeking job opportunities outside and no one wants to learn this dance."

"The dance is facing the risk of disappearing," he said. "It's my mission to let more people learn changshanlong, though I know there's a debate."

"It's an interesting class," said 15-year-old Luo Shichao. He said it took him more than a year to learn to play the reed pipe. "But I think it's worth the time as I enjoy it."

Lan maintains a special performing team with 12 outstanding students.

"My team is invited to perform outside the county each year and they don't have to rehearse before they perform."

The team even performed on China Central Television.

"Lan has dedicated himself to delivering the folk dance and we respect him," said Zhou Zhengxiang, the 37-year-old headmaster.

Zhou's school spends around 20,000 yuan ($3,180) to buy costumes and musical instruments each year for Lan's class.

"My current wish is to perform the dance in overseas countries," said Lan. "The folk art will live as long as more and more people know and enjoy it."

By Qiu Bo

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