A Contrastive Study Of The Same-Rooted But Different-Branched Laozi Dance

Owing to the ethnic blending and migration in China,since ancient times there have been many cultural products which originate from the same place but then develop into different directions.Same-rooted as they are,they grow into distinct artistic forms and styles during the development,and Laozi Dance is one of the most representative.As a folk dance,it evolves from Lian Hua Lao and keeps growing over time and place.From the initial embryo to the artistic form with certain routine and size and then to the intangible cultural heritage,Laozi Dance keeps taking a low-flying and steady path.Without exception,regional differences also exert an influence on its development.After taking root in a specific region,Laozi Dance blends with local elements and becomes the artistic form with varying local features.At this time,although its name is still Laozi,it is different by nature.Based on the local features and regional culture,it obtains diverse performing forms.It becomes a typical artistic form with local features since it shares the same root with Laozi and reflects distinct national traits.Laozi Dance can be divided into two categories:the singing Laozi(???),and the running Laozi(???).Beginning from the origin and evolution of Laozi Dance and based on its history and current situation,the present paper chooses the typical Gaotang Laozi and Cangzhou Laozi as research objects.In an attempt to analyze Laozi Dance,the intangible cultural heritage,deeply and specifically,it contrasts the two from their history,form,music,stage property,style characteristics,and etc.