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Tibetan Dance

The cham dance (Tibetan: འཆམ་, Wylie: ‘cham) is a lively masked and costumed dance associated with some sects of Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhist festivals. The dance is accompanied by music played by monks using traditional Tibetan musical instruments.

Tibetan Dance

The Tibetan people’s unique way of traditional living is deeply reflected in their dance. Perhaps the most characteristic feature of this dance style is the body’s forward tilt, accompanied by an incessant bouncing originating from the knees. This rhythm accompanies nearly every movement and stems from the daily custom of carrying water long distances from mountainous rivers to their homes.

Tibetan dance also has the unique trait of often extending the arm and the leg of one side simultaneously, rather than in the alternating fashion of walking. This, too, harks back to the difficulties of treacherous climbs in the Himalayas—to more efficiently travel on slanted mountain roads, the Tibetan people will carry their load on one side of their body, allowing them to save energy on their daily journeys.

Tibetan dances, especially the male ones, are also known for their energetic techniques. These include vigorous jumps and turns, all performed with the characteristic high-heeled boots.

Tibetan Costume and Attire

Tibetan attire is a direct reflection of the region’s climate and environment. The Tibetan Plateau is known for its frigid yearlong temperatures, powerful sandstorms, and extensive grasslands and pastures. The Tibetan people adapted to their environment with warm and insulating clothing that is also suitable to their itinerant lifestyle.

The symbolic Tibetan chuba is a long coat that is both practical and fashionable. Chubas are made from sheepskin that is both durable and insulating. The coat is large and loose with big open sleeves that can be rolled up in the heat of the day. At night, an unbelted chuba makes for a comfortable covering for restful slumber.

Inside the chuba, both men and women wear undershirts that are bright and multicolored. Red and green, or orange and blue for contrast are common combinations. They also wear rainbow-patterned aprons around their waists. This spritely costume is completed with song ba la mu boots and golden jin hua mao hats.

Accessories play an important role in Tibetan dress and include mainly earrings, pendants, belts, and hand jewelry. These accessories are heavily inlaid with precious metals and stones, and some also bear intricate engraved patterns.

Source: shenyunperformingarts