📍Chongqing Experience China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Bayu Dance

Bayu Dance: An Important Representation of Chongqing's Traditional Culture

Thank you, Teacher Chuanhu, for your teaching and sharing.
First learned in the army, experienced pre-war dance.

Bayu Dance is an important part of Chongqing's Bayu culture, originating from the rituals, celebrations, and combat ceremonies of the ancient Ba people (the ancestors of the people in Chongqing and the eastern part of Sichuan). It is characterized by its strong and powerful movements, brisk rhythm, and unique musical accompaniment, reflecting the bold and resilient character of the Bayu people. Bayu Dance integrates elements of martial arts, labor life, and folklore, with a long history, and is one of Chongqing's intangible cultural heritages.

Features
1. Vigorous movements: The Bayu dance features large movements and stable steps, often imitating scenes of combat, hunting, or farming, exuding a sense of power.
2. Musical accompaniment: Usually dominated by percussion instruments such as gongs, drums, and cymbals, with a strong rhythm, sometimes accompanied by Sichuan river songs or Bayu folk songs, creating a lively atmosphere.
3. Costumes and Props: Dancers often wear traditional costumes (such as short outfits or ethnic-style clothing) and sometimes use props like knives, swords, fans, or bamboo poles to enhance the performance.
4. Bayu dance is not only an art performance, but also carries the folk functions of worship, blessing, exorcising evil, and welcoming good fortune, often appearing in festivals, weddings, or harvest ceremonies.

History and Heritage
Origin: Traceable to the totem worship and sacrificial dances of the Ba people, which dates back thousands of years.
During the Song and Yuan dynasties, Bayu dance incorporated more folk elements and gradually became the main performance form of folk festivals.
Today, Bayu Dance is commonly seen in festive activities in Chongqing (such as the Dragon Boat Festival and temple fairs), and some schools and cultural groups have also opened courses to promote it. The Chongqing Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center and cultural institutions inherit this art through performances, training, and exhibitions.

Representative performance
Simulate the battle scenes of the Ba people, with intense actions that showcase the spirit of bravery and strength.
"Bayu Divine Dance," used for blessing or sacrificial purposes, features solemn movements and is full of ritual significance.

📍Chongqing: Experiencing Chinese Traditional Culture - Bayu Dance

Bayu Dance: A Vibrant Symbol of Chongqing’s Cultural Heritage

Bayu Dance is a key element of Chongqing’s Bayu culture, originating from the ancient Ba people ( ancestors of Chongqing and eastern Sichuan ) during rituals, celebrations, and battle ceremonies. Characterized by vigorous movements, lively rhythms, and unique musical accompaniment, it reflects the bold and resilient spirit of the Bayu people. Blending martial arts, labor scenes, and folk customs, this dance is a time-honored Chongqing intangible cultural heritage.

Characteristics
1. Dynamic Movements: Bayu Dance features bold, powerful steps, often mimicking battle, hunting, or farming scenes, exuding strength and energy.
2. Musical Accompaniment: Accompanied by gongs, drums, and cymbals with strong rhythms, sometimes paired with Chuanjiang work songs or Bayu folk tunes, creating a festive atmosphere.
3. Costumes and Props: Dancers wear traditional attire, such as short martial outfits or ethnic costumes, and may use props like swords, fans, or bamboo poles to enhance performances.
4. Cultural Significance: Beyond artistic expression, Bayu Dance serves ritual purposes like praying for blessings or warding off evil, often performed at festivals, weddings, or harvest celebrations.

History and Preservation
- Origins: Rooted in the Ba people's totem worship and ritual dances, dating back thousands of years.
- Development: During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Bayu Dance incorporated more folk elements, becoming a staple of community festivities.
- Modern Preservation: Today, it is performed at Chongqing’s festivals ( e.g., Dragon Boat Festival, temple fairs ). Schools and cultural groups promote it through classes, while Chongqing’s intangible heritage centers preserve it via performances, training, and exhibitions.

Notable Performances
- War Dance: Mimics Ba combat scenes with intense movements, showcasing martial spirit.
- Bayu God Dance: Performed for blessings or rituals, with solemn, ceremonial gestures.