Linyi city folk dance brings fun to audience

With nearly over 200 years of history, the Houguada whip dance, a folk dance from Lanling county – located in Linyi city in East China's Shandong province – has strong and distinctive local features.

The whip dance features male dancers simulating monkey postures, while female dancers also amuse the audience.

Its rhythm is bright and lively, with strong actions – integrating dance routines, comical movements and folk songs.

In the old days, the whip dance was a means for poor people to make a living by begging for food. They were usually a couple, with the husband holding a flower stick and the woman holding a bamboo board.

It has now been developed into an important part of local music and dance – and is said to have vital research value and reference significance for understanding the artistic style of Chinese folk music and dance. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)

A whip dancer imitates the actions of a monkey. [Photo provided for chinadaily.com.cn]

A Houguada whip dance performance. [Photo provided for chinadaily.com.cn]