Investigation On Huagudeng And Consideration For Its Conservation

Anhui Huagudeng(dance with handkerchief; drum and lantern) is one of the representative dances among Chinese national art of folk dance, which is also included in the protection catalogues for the first 518 non-material cultural heritage in China. The thesis discusses the ups and downs of Huagudeng as a culture of folk dance from the perspectives of countryside and theaters, as well as its condition of preservation, variation and development under two different ecological environments. Meanwhile suggestions about preservation of Huagudeng are proposed in the paper in the hope of offering some help to the work of preserving Chinese National fold dance. The thesis is theoretically based on principle of dance ecology and method of fieldwork used by cultural anthropology. Therefore, the theory and method of dance ecology run through the theme and structural framework of this thesis.This paper will take up the following questions one by one: First, the paper will discuss the spiritual characteristics of Huagudeng, the open structure and functions of the outdoor performances as well as the agricultural culture so as to evaluate this traditional dance form, which is also the basis of analyzing the development of Huagudeng.Secondly, the paper systematizes the development of Huagudeng of over half a century, especially summarizing the historical experience and lessons when preserving Huagudeng. Besides, the paper analyzes the relationship between professional dance training and teaching materials of Huagudeng and its counterpart in the country. The educational beliefs and ways of refining teaching material for Chinese national folk dance are also summed up in the paper. The problems and achievements in the work of inheriting and developing national folk culture are given onsiderable attention here.In addition, the paper discusses the current situation of Huagudeng through analysis of its forms, particular dancers, ways of passing on as well as the social and cultural anvironment which limits its development with the purpose of exploring the specific causes of the decline of Huagudeng.Finally, based on historical summary and present studies, the paper proposes fore-sighting suggestions to help preserve the current Huagudeng, which is also the ultimate goal of this thesis. The writer hopes to do her utmost to make contribution to the national project of preserving non-material cultural heritage. The writer believes that the knowledge of these problems with regularity is valuable references to both the preservation of the art of Huagudeng and the preservation of Chinese traditional culture.