Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Maygul Ayithazi) news: On July 23, 2024, the performance "Lift your veil, Xinjiang is a good place" performed at the Hongqi Auditorium in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. The standout segment titled "Picking Grapes" received the most enthusiastic applause from the audience. The infectious rhythm of the Dap conjures up visions of the vibrant imagery of grapes ripening in Turpan's orchards.

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows the performance "Lift your veil, Xinjiang is a good place" performed at the Hongqi Auditorium in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (Photo by Milkamir Mamatimin)

The infectious rhythm of the Dap beats, accompanied by the intricate and graceful movements of dancer Zulmira Iminjan, vividly portrayed a young girl's taste with grapes–her initial frown at their sourness, followed by joyful delight at their sweetness. Through this performance, the audience savored not only the flavors of Xinjiang grapes, but also the rich and fulfilling lives of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

As the performance drew to a close, waves of applause rippled through the room, echoing the rhythm of Dap performer Parhati Yasin's beats.

Photo shows audience watch the performance "Lift your veil, Xinjiang is a good place" performed at the Hongqi Auditorium in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (Photo by Maygul Ayithazi)

In 1959, at the 7th World Festival of Youth and Students, "Picking Grapes" won the festival's gold medal amidst thunderous applause. This prestigious award underscores the universal appeal of exceptional artistic creations. "Picking Grapes," crafted in the 1950s, draws its inspiration in the real-life experiences of laborers, showcasing the captivating charm of Xinjiang, the "Land of Song and Dance." It stands as one of the most iconic works of 20th-century Chinese dance.

Art does not follow a static paradigm, and the same holds true for classic dance. As society progresses, so too do the expectations of audiences. So, artists today have to find new ways to use technology and other tools to make their art more exciting and engaging.

The art of dance has evolved, and this has been mirrored in the hand drum. Parhat Yasin, a percussionist from a family of hand drummers, confirms that the drums used today incorporate a variety of advanced technology, far surpassing those of previous generations.

Traditionally, the classic stage performance of "Picking Grapes" featured a solo dancer accompanied by Dap beats. However, the format has undergone subtle changes over time. "Now, 'Picking Grapes' has evolved to its sixth version," explained Jasur Tursun, deputy director of the Xinjiang Arts Theatre Song and Dance Troupe. "Dancers now need to complete over 80 consecutive spins, which adds significant difficulty to the performance."

"We strive to maintain the essence of the original performance while creating a new classic that aligns with modern dance aesthetics," Tursun added.

The performance of the Dap has evolved. Parhat Yasin, a performer from the Xinjiang Arts Theatre Song and Dance Troupe, comes from a family of Dap performers; his father was also a Dap performer. However, the drum in his hands today incorporates significantly more advanced technology than those from previous generations.

"The Dap's beats should be bright and crisp to effectively enhance the atmosphere of diverse performances," Parhat explained. "Traditional Daps were well-suited to Xinjiang's dry climate. However, when my father performed outside Xinjiang, moisture would often affect the quality of the Dap skin. Sometimes, he had to spend hours heating the Dap over fire to achieve the right sound. The Dap I use features a transparent synthetic skin design, professionally tuned to ensure that moisture does not compromise the audio quality."

Nowadays, Dap performers are also required to undergo professional dance training. This training allows them to better empathize with the emotions portrayed by dancers, and to form a more cohesive partnership that enhances the overall performance.

Wang Yixiao, a resident from Changchun, said, "The sound of the Dap and the grape-picking movements make it clear from the outset that this is a dance from Xinjiang. It's incredibly immersive." Li Ang, director of a provincial-level art institute in Jilin, said, "The Dap speaks to me as if it's telling a captivating story. I believe that once an audience experiences this connection, that's when you know that this is a successful show."

Huang Shiyuan, Party secretary of the Xinjiang Arts Theatre Song and Dance Troupe, explained, "The ongoing success of 'Picking Grapes' on stage is a testament to our commitment to both preserving and innovating within our artistic creations. Our troupe strives to produce and promote more high-quality artistic productions that showcase our reputation as the 'Land of Song and Dance.'"

(A written permission shall be obtained for reprinting, excerpting, copying and mirroring of the contents published on this website. Unauthorized aforementioned act shall be deemed an infringement, of which the actor shall be held accountable under the law.)