Meaning:
“英歌” are the characters for “hero” and “song,” and “舞” means “dance.” Yingge Dance, a type of folk dance with 300 years of history, is still popular today in the Chaoshan region in Guangdong Province. Some say it evolved from the sacrificial Nuoxi opera performed in various parts of southern China; others believe it originated from Yangge Dance performed in northern China, particularly in Shandong Province. Either way, it is meant to welcome the spring, dispel evil spirits, and pray for good fortune. Yingge Dances have evolved to use face makeup and just one plot: the adventures of the legendary “108 heroes” of Liangshan Mountain, from the classic novel “Outlaws of the Marsh.” The show combines dances, martial arts, musical numbers, and other displays of talent, with a maximum of 108 performers.
Example:
A: 过年你去哪里玩了？
Guònián nǐ qù nǎlǐ wán le？
Where did you travel to during the Chinese New Year holiday?
B: 我去了普宁，看到了精彩的英歌舞表演。
Wǒ qù le pǔníng，kàndào le jīngcǎi de yīnggēwǔ biǎoyǎn。
I went to Puning City and watched an exciting Yingge Dance performance.