Fengyang drum dance gets new lease on life

Fengyang flower-drum dance shows are regarded as some of the most important events taking place at Anhui Science and Technology University. [Photo provided to China Daily]

About three dozen college students, most of whom are juniors and sophomores, have been busy preparing for an annual campus performance to welcome the incoming freshmen.

With a small drum in the left hand, with phoenix painted on, and a pair of nearly half-meter-long sticks between the fingers of the right hand, the students not only dance but also make music with the drums.

The shows are regarded as some of the most important events taking place at Anhui Science and Technology University since first performed in the fall of 2013. The university is based in Fengyang county of East China's Anhui province.

People might think that the young students are performing modern music such as hiphop, rap, or modern dances that are popular among young people. That is, until they hear the lyrics.

"A gong in the left hand, a drum in the right, come and sing songs, with the gong and drum in both hands."

Many people from across China, especially the elderly, have heard these words but might know no more than that about this traditional folk art that originated in Fengyang. It is called the Fengyang flower-drum dance.

"People who watch the students' performance will know that the students' devotion is really significant for keeping this national intangible cultural heritage alive," said Zhang Cong, teacher and director for the performance.