6-year-old Yingge dancer debuts in Bao'an

Video and photos by Liu Xudong

Zhuang Enqi, a 6-year-old Yingge Dance prodigy, made her debut yesterday with the Fumei Youth Yingge Dance Team at MAXLAND in Bao’an District, as part of the Lantern Festival celebrations.

The dynamic performance, accompanied by the powerful rhythm of traditional drums, captivated visitors and filled the air with a joyful festive spirit. Yingge Dance, or "dance to the hero's song," a martial arts-inspired dance with opera and music, dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the traditional folk dance is popular in the Chaoshan region of Guangdong Province.

Zhuang Enqi makes her debut yesterday with the Fumei Youth Yingge Dance Team in Bao'an District. 

“I really love Yingge Dance, and I want to keep dancing until I’m 100 years old,” said Zhuang, who began learning the art form at just 4.5 years old.

She hopes more people will come to appreciate this treasured folk tradition. As a New Year ritual symbolizing blessings and unity, Yingge Dance features performers with elaborately painted faces representing loyalty and righteousness — traits believed to bring safety and good fortune. Their synchronized movements and vigorous drumbeats celebrate teamwork and collective strength, with every stick strike and drum roll expressing wishes for reunion and harmony.

Elaborately painted faces of Yingge dancers.

Her father, Zhuang Rongqiang — also a member of the village Yingge Dance team — said that his daughter developed a deep fascination with the dance after watching rehearsals and constantly imitating the performers. Fueled by her passion, she formally joined the Fumei Youth Yingge Dance Team under the guidance of its head, Li Junhao, becoming a professional dancer.

The young performer won enthusiastic applause during the Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong on January 27.

Zhuang Enqi dances to the rhythm of the drumbeats during a Yingge Dance performance in Bao'an yesterday.

According to Li, the Fumei Youth Yingge Dance Team comprises 50 performers with an average age of 18, each boasting at least five years of experience. The group has gained nationwide recognition after performing at the CMG Spring Festival Gala 2025 and the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games.

Performers in full-face paint and vibrant costumes bring the centuries-old Yingge Dance to life during a lively performance in Bao'an yesterday.

In addition to the Yingge Dance, a local lion dance troupe also delivered a dazzling performance. Two young lion dancers interacted with Zhuang Enqi during the show, adding to the excitement of the festival celebration.

Yingge dancer Zhuang Enqi interactes with two young lion dancers.

MAXLAND, a popular shopping mall in Bao’an, hosted an Yingge Dance exhibition in 2024 to promote the centuries-old Lingnan folk tradition. This year, MAXLAND once again brought the vibrant art to audiences in both Bao’an and Guangming districts to mark the Lantern Festival.

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