Posted 2016/10/28
Ancient Chinese dances were performed not only for the purpose of recreational but also physical training. According to historical records, the humid climate at the time of the Tribe of Yin Kang between 5,000 and 4,000 BC caused many people to suffer from atrophy and so dances were created to exercise joints and ward off disease.
Dances were performed as a rite in slave society. They prospered both in variety and style during the Western and Eastern Jin and the Southern and Northern dynasties (AC 265 -580), when highly difficult stunts such as the wrestler's bridge, split of the legs, and lifting of a partner were developed. These played an important part in the evolution of certain movements in some sports events which appeared in later periods, such as gymnastics and martial arts. The Sui and Tang Dynasties (581- 907) were the golden age of ancient dances. Some Tang dances were closely integrated with sports.
In the Tang Dynasty, there was a kind of group dancing that was designed to perform various patterns on the floor. To the accompaniment of music, dancers moved around to form different Chinese character with auspicious meanings with elegance and beauty , in a way similar to group callisthenics of modern times.
