One Asia in Dance

JoroonJoroo

Mongolia

Performer
Mongolian National Song and Dance Academic Ensemble
Date of Performance
Sep 3, 2016
Characteristics
∙A branch of Biyelgee dance which uses horses as a motif∙Biyelgee was inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009
Artistic director
Tseden-Ish Altangerel
Choreographer
Davaakhuu Altangerel
picture of joroonjoroo
  • picture of joroonjoroo
  • picture of joroonjoroo
  • picture of joroonjoroo
  • picture of joroonjoroo
  • picture of joroonjoroo
  • play youtube of joroonjoroo

Joroon Joroo depicts couples dancing while riding on horses strolling at a leisurely pace. This dance originates from the Mongolian folk dance Bii Biyelgee. Bii Biyelgee is a dance arising from the nomadic lifestyle, and was traditionally performed in a small confined space within the ger, next to the stove. The choregraphy is primarily performed using the chest, shoulders, head and wrists, to avoid raising dust indoors. The legs are in a half-sitting position or crossed, only acting to support the torso. It is characterized by the raising of the arms and shaking of the shoulders. It is primarily accompanied by the ekil (violin-like traditional instrument) and the choreography is relatively short in length.

The various ethnic groups of Mongolia each perform their own unique and creative form of Biyelgee, which all go by different names. As Biyelgee is not just a dance but a form of pantomime which involves wit, emotions and expressions, it requires a high level of technical expertise and patience to master. Biyelgee plays an important role in the Mongolian society composed of a wide range of communities, as a cultural asset reflecting the customs and lifestyles of Mongolian nomads, and a common ground connecting the various ethnic communities. The viability of Biyelgee had been under threat in the recent past, due to a continued decline in the number of transmitters and performing communities, the numbers of trainees and transmitters have been showing stable growth with safeguarding efforts by the UNESCO and the Mongolian government.

Eagle Dance

Mongolia

Performer
Mongolian National Song and Dance Academic Ensemble
Date of Performance
Sep 3, 2016
Characteristics
Dance mimicking the movements of animals
Artistic director
Tseden-Ish Altangerel
Choreographer
Davaakhuu AltangerelThis dance is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Haka dance, performed by the Maori in New Zealand. Haka was a ritual performed by Maori warriors to strengthen their resolve and the solidarity of the group, while displaying their might to the enemy before going into battle. Maori people are taught the Haka from an early age to build confidence and pride in their identity. Haka is officially taught in many schools in New Zealand as well. Through a long process of adaptation to the times and situations while remaining rooted in tradition, Haka has become a cultural symbol of New Zealand in the present day.
picture of palcon
  • picture of palcon
  • picture of palcon
  • picture of palcon
  • picture of palcon
  • picture of palcon
  • play youtube of palcon

The Eagle Dance is a Mongolian folk dance expressing the movements of a white eagle flying across the sky. Dancers raise one leg and flap their arms, imitating eagles flapping their wings. They also perform powerful movements to dynamic music. The basic move of raising both arms while moving the shoulders up and down originates from the Mongolian Biyelgee dance.

The white eagle is known to be the totem bird of Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire. The Eagle Dance represents the bravery of 13th century Mongolian warriors, and is a permanent fixture in the repertoire performed at major national events.