Shanghai to stage Yang Liping's Sounds from Yunnan

BEIJING, May 24 -- After a year of traveling around the countryside of southern China, one of the country's most celebrated contemporary dancers is bringing a unique take on Yunnan dance and music to Shanghai next month.

A stage scene reflects the tradition of Yunnan villagers playing the drums  to help a woman through labor.(Photo Source: China Daily)

Yang Liping's Sounds from Yunnan will showcase the rich folklore culture of over 20 minority ethnic groups through natural sounds found in the province. Yunnan province borders Vietnam and has established itself as one of the hottest tourist destinations for Chinese holidaymakers.

Ling said the natural beauty that attracts hordes of tourists also serves as a key musical muse.

"You'll find a rhythm in the sound of butterflies flapping their wings and rice and corn plants growing," said Yang. "Even wind going through the leaves of a tree makes music with its own melody."

Yang visited difficult-to-access villages looking for authentic music performances, such as folk artists playing songs accompanied by sounds made from green leaves and bamboo shoots, or tapping on tiny clay jars.

Her most striking discovery was a kind of Tibetan drum that stands three meters tall.

"It's a unique percussion instrument in Yunnan," she said. "When a woman gives birth, villagers come together and play the drum to help her through labor."