Described by the saying, “As many stars as there are in the sky, Guozhuang has as many tunes; as many hairs as there are on yaks, Guozhuang has as many dancing postures,” the dance reflects a rich diversity of expressions.

For you, our beloved international tourists, Guozhuang offers a unique opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and interact with locals. This article delves into the dance’s history, regional variations, allowing you to fully enjoy this vibrant tradition during your time in Tibet.

Guozhuang Dance: Use Simple Moves to Connect with Tibetans on Your Tibet Tour

Guozhuang dance, also called "Guozhuo," "Gezhuang," or "Zhuo," is a lively Tibetan circle dance. It is one of Tibet’s three major folk dances, found in regions like Tibet, Ganzi in Sichuan, Diqing in Yunnan, and other Tibetan areas in Qinghai and Gansu.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Guozhuang dance is its simplicity, making it popular and easy for anyone to join in. There's no need for background music, and you can join in or leave at any time. As long as there’s a circle of dancers, you can easily blend in and follow the steps.

In the dance, men and women typically form a half-circle, holding hands to create a circle. An exchange of song takes place between the men and women, with only their voices accompanying the dance - no instrumental music. The whole circle moves in a clockwise direction.

On all our Tibet tours, you'll have the chance to experience the charm of Guozhuang dance at some of the most iconic locations. Our itineraries are carefully crafted to include live Guozhuang performances, giving you the opportunity to enjoy this traditional dance firsthand.

Special spots arranged include Longwangtan Park, located just behind the Potala Palace, a favorite relaxation spot for locals and a prime location for an authentic Guozhuang experience. You can also join the dance by the shores of Yamdrok Lake or at the foot of Mt. Everest.

Our Beloved Guests are enjoying the performance of Guozhuang Dance in Longwangtan Park, right behind the Potala Palace.

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Guozhuang Dance: Its Origins, History, and Cultural Significance to Us

The Guozhuang Dance can be traced back to the Tubo Dynasty, approximately 1,300 years ago. Initially, it served as a way for people to offer prayers and wishes to the gods, seeking divine inspiration and protection. Originally performed during sacrificial ceremonies, the dance was a form of communication with the gods.

Research also suggests that the Guozhuang Dance may have been performed alongside the chanting of oaths. During vow-taking ceremonies, expressive hand and foot movements were used to fully convey emotions and stir the heart. From this, it is inferred that the Guozhuang Dance was an integral part of these oath-taking rituals.

The spread of the Guozhuang Dance in Tibetan regions is closely linked to the rise of Tibetan Buddhism. The establishment of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the unique culture they cultivated provided a platform for the dance to flourish and evolve.

Historical records indicate that during the celebration of Samye Monastery’s completion in the 8th century AD, people joyfully performed the "Guozhuang Dance." From that moment, the dance became a symbol of good fortune and spread widely throughout Tibetan areas. It was not only featured in major temple ceremonies but also gained popularity among the general public.

Today, the Guozhuang dance is more than just a form of entertainment. It represents harmony, unity, and the collective spirit of the Tibetan people. When performed, the dancers move in a circle, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, the unity of the community, and the unending connection between humans and the natural world.

Yamdrok Lake is another popular location where you can experience and take part in the Guozhuang Dance.

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There are 3 Fascinating Types of Guozhuang Dance, Each with Unique Style

The Guozhuang dance is not just one single style but encompasses several distinct variations, each with its own unique flair. Although all Guozhuang dances share the same spirit, Tibet have developed several variations over time. The three main types of Guozhuang dance are:

The Big Guozhuang, also known as the "Temple Guozhuang," is used for grand religious sacrificial ceremonies. Typically held in temples or monasteries, it honors significant religious events or is performed to greet and send off the Living Buddha.

The setting of the Big Guozhuang is majestic, with a deeply solemn atmosphere. The lyrics sung are specific and unchanged, while the dances are slow, steady, ancient, and dignified. Dancers express their gratitude and seek blessings through these performances.

The Middle Guozhuang, also called the "Festival Guozhuang," is used during Tibetan festival celebrations. It is typically performed during major festivals such as Saga Dawa or the Tibetan New Year (Losar), capturing the lively spirit of the occasion.

In contrast to the Big Guozhuang, the setting of the Middle Guozhuang is vibrant. The lyrics are energetic and lively, while the dance moves are more active and fast, as dancers celebrate the joy and excitement of the festival.

The Small Guozhuang, also known as the "Village Guozhuang," is used for more intimate celebrations, often by ordinary families. It is typically held during weddings, harvest celebrations, or to welcome important guests from afar.

The setting of the Village Guozhuang is more flexible. Participants can choose familiar lyrics and dance to them, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere. Unlike the Big and Middle Guozhuang, the attire is more casual, and the group size is smaller.

The Guozhuang performed at Longwangtan Park, along the shore of Yamdrok Lake, or at the foot of Mt. Everest is the Small Guozhuang dance, perfect for you to participate.

The Small Guozhuang is performed by local Tibetans when welcoming important guests.

The Guozhuang Dance Varies Across Different Regions of Tibetan Settlements

While the basic form of the Guozhuang dance remains consistent, it does vary somewhat depending on the region. These variations are often influenced by local customs, the terrain, and the also the lifestyles.

For example, the movements in Tibet Guozhuang often copy animal actions, like "the tiger descending the mountain," "the eagle circling," "the peacock showing its tail," and "wild animals playing." The dance focuses on the emotions and expressions shown through the dancer’s posture. The rhythm of the dance changes three times, from slow to moderate to fast.

In the Tibetan settlements of Ganzi in Sichuan Province, the Guozhuang performance follows a unique style. During the performance, when the men’s group sings and dances, the women’s group dances without singing, and vice versa. Typically, the performance includes 10 dance songs before the Guozhuang is completed.

In the Tibetan settlements of Diqing in Yunnan province, Guozhuang dances place a strong emphasis on etiquette. These include various types such as "Blessing Guozhuang," "Farewell Guozhuang," "Praise Guozhuang," "Reunion Guozhuang,""Sending-off Guozhuang," "Prayer Guozhuang," and others, all of which are quite rare in Tibetan areas across the country.

Our Tibetan guides are dancing at the Loneliest Monastery - Rutog Monastery, set against the stunning backdrop of Yamdrok Lake.

Let’s Try to Learn the Basics of Guozhuang Dance Together!

Now that you know a little about the dance’s origins and variations, let’s dive into the basics of how to do the Guozhuang dance! Whether you're a first-time dancer or just curious, learning the steps can be a fun and engaging experience. Here are the basic steps:

1.Form a Circle: The Guozhuang dance is typically done in a circle, with participants standing on opposite sides, either holding hands or simply extending their arms to form a connected ring.

2. The Basic Step: The core movement of the dance is simple yet essential. Start by stepping forward with your right foot while keeping your left foot planted. Then, step backward with your right foot, using the tremor of your knee joints to guide the movement of your body.

3. The Hand Gestures: As you step, raise your arms to eye level, with one arm in front of your body and the other behind. Your arms should primarily move through sweeping, flicking, and shaking motions, similar to the gesture that brings your hands closer to you.

Once you’ve mastered the basic steps, you can add flair by incorporating turns or squats. These occasional twists infuse the movement with a sense of celebration and excitement. The leg-crossing and stepping movements follow a clockwise direction, just like anyone else’s.

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Conclusion

The Guozhuang dance is a vibrant and dynamic part of Tibetan culture, offering a unique and interactive way for visitors to experience the traditions of Tibet. With its rich history, regional variations, and simplicity in execution, anyone can join in and appreciate the communal spirit that the dance fosters.

Whether you’re participating in the lively celebrations of the Small Guozhuang or witnessing the solemnity of the Big Guozhuang, this dance provides a meaningful way to connect with the Tibetan people and their cultural heritage.