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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will join with the Consulate General of India and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia to present a free outdoor Asia Ethnic Cultural Performance tomorrow (November 20) at the Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza from 2.30pm to 5pm.
Different ethnic groups living in Hong Kong will perform music and dance that are indigenous to India and Indonesia whereas local groups will present ethnic performances of Chinese minority groups such as Xinjiang, Tibet and Mongol.
Indian dances "Bhangra Dance", "Jatiswaram", "Nritt" and "Shanti Mantra" will be featured. "Bhangra" is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the region of Punjab in North India. It is very popular during Punjabi social occasions especially weddings and New Year celebrations. The dance is performed by male dancers dressed in bright, colourful attire, accompanied by singing and the beat of the dhol drum, tumbi and an instrument reminiscent of an enlarged pair of tings called chimta.
"Jatiswaram", "Nritt" and "Shanti Mantra" are traditional Indian folk dances. With rhythmic and geometric movements, "Jatiswaramu" is a classical dance style from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. "Nritt" is a dance expressing joy through purely decorative movements and rhythm. This dance, usually performed in Kathak, is a classical dance style from the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. "Shanti Mantra" dance is a traditional prayer for peace, with movements revealing some of the basic similarities inherent in all Indian classical dance styles.
Indonesian performances will include "Kuda Lumping", "Cendrawasih Dance" and "Jaipongan Dance". "Kuda Lumping" is a folk ritual performed on auspicious occasions in Central and East Java. The dancers ride on decorated rattan horses to the music of gongs, drums and flutes. While this is an old village ritual, it has been adapted as a dance performance by travelling troupes.
The Balinese "Cendrawasih Dance" represents the freedom enjoyed by the beautiful wild birds of the forest while they fly and splash in the water spring. The title originates from Birds of Paradise named Cendrawasih which come from West Papua, Indonesia's easternmost province.
The "Jaipongan Dance" is a fast, lively and sensual dance from West Java (Sunda). It is usually performed at village celebrations and is a social dance for young people.
Ethnic performances of Chinese minority groups are equally attractive. Tibetan "Dance Sleeve at the Foot of the Snow Mountain" expresses the pure and genuine disposition of the Tibetan people who live at the foot of the Himalayas.
"Dancing Shadow of the Silk Road" of Xinjiang showcases solo folk song, female group and solo dance, illustrating the passionate temperament of the people around Tien Shan.
With its invigorating rhythm, Mongolian dance is spectacular and ever-changing. "Grand Melodies of the Grasslands" makes use of solo Mongolian songs and dances to reflect on the love of life and the magnanimous, frank, courageous and optimistic temperament of the Mongolian people.
Ends/Saturday, November 19, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:31
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