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The Yingge Dance, or "dance to the hero's song" is a traditional art form in Chaoshan area. The dance can date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368—1644). At that time, dancers it during traditional Chinese festivals. Today, Chaoshan people perform the Yingge Dance to the Spring Festival.
Usually, number of the performers in the Yingge Dance is either 24 or 36. Each of them a role of the "108 Heroes" from Liangshan Mountain, a place in a famous traditional Chinese story. To prepare for a full day of performances, the performers have to practice for at six months. They also have to wear heavy clothes during their practice. it is hard work, more and more young people are joining the dancing teams because of love for this traditional art.
It is said that this dance is the most popular in Chaoshan towns such Puning and Chaoyang. However, today, people in other countries like Australia and America are also getting interested in it. The Yingge Dance is not only a symbol of Chaoshan , but also a belief (信仰). We Chaoshanese believe it will take away the things and bring good luck to all of us in the coming year.
