Yangge
Yangge dance is a traditional folk dance of the Han people, commonly performed in the northern provinces. There are two kinds of ways of performing: one is on the ground and the other is on the stilts.
Yangge in northeast China, combined with the local Manchu culture, developed into three types of performance: the song-and-dance duets, yangge performed on the ground and yangge preformed on the stilts, with accompanied instruments the suona (trumpet-like wind instrument), small cymbals, drum, flute, erhu (alto fiddle) and zhuban (bamboo clappers). Yangge dancers usually wear bright and colorful costumes, and their movements are vigorous and quick, with distinguished local flavor.
Yangge in Shandong Province also has three representative types : Guzi yangge, Jiaozhou yangge and Haiyang yangge. Guzi yangge is popularized in the areas of Linyi and Huimin in north Shandong. The speaking and singing way of performing is humorous, demonstrating the honest and frank character of the Shandong people. Jiaozhou yangge is popularized in the area of Jiaozhou in south Shandong. The use of suona and gong and drum makes the music interesting and joyous.
Yange in north Shaanxi Province: popular in the areas of Mizhi, Haobao, Jiaxian, Suide and Qingjian.
