[Explanation] Stilts are a folk dance that spreads all over the country.
In Yongdeng County, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, there is also such a performance art - "Bitter Water Stilts", its legs are 3 to 3.3 meters high, ranking first in the country. It has a history of nearly 700 years and was listed as the first in 2006. Approved the national intangible cultural heritage protection list.
Recently, the reporter came to Yongdeng County to visit the unique features of "Bitter Water Stilts".
Ju Haiquan, the national non-genetic inheritor of the project, said that the height of the stilts was increased under the competition of local social fires.
[Concurrent] "Bitter Water Stilts" National Inheritance Inheritance Ju Haiquan
Yongdeng stilts are mainly characterized by their height, which was originally 2 meters. The height of the stilts increased from the competition between the north and south (street) community fires.
[Explanation] Ju Haiquan said that "Bitter Water Stilts" can be called "Aerial Drama", which is based on Qin Opera. The performers wear traditional theatrical costumes, paint the faces of the characters in the Qin Opera repertoire, hold props, and dance in the air.
[Concurrent] "Bitter Water Stilts" National Inheritance Inheritance Ju Haiquan
(High stilts) is also an aerial drama performance in the fire of the society. It is mainly based on Qin Opera. The team members wear Qin Opera costumes.
[Commentary] When talking about inheritance, Ju Haiquan said that "Bitter Water and High Stilts" is an eye-catching program in the local community. In the past, outsiders would not be invited to visit, but now, they hope that more people can participate in it.
[Concurrent] "Bitter Water Stilts" National Inheritance Inheritance Ju Haiquan
In the past, people from the North Street (responsible for) the North Street of Shehuo Kushui Street, and people from the South Street (responsible for the people from the South Street), and people from the outer village were not allowed to participate.
(Now) people from other villages and other places can participate in our annual social fire.
[Explanation] At the national intangible cultural heritage protection base in Yongdeng County, Zhao Jianjun, an apprentice of Ju Haiquan, sat on the iron frame, fixed his legs on his legs with flat hemp ropes, and repeatedly checked the binding effect.
The reporter found at the scene that the performers on stilts far exceeded the height of the basketball hoop.
In this regard, Zhao Jianjun said that because of his height, the preparations should not be sloppy at all, and he should keep in mind the performance essentials such as "tightness and proper tie-up legs, bold and careful steps".
[Concurrent] Zhao Jianjun, apprentice of Ju Haiquan
This needs to be pondered by oneself, not to say that (the master) will teach it.
(In one's own words) bold and careful, (also) that the waist should be straight, you must step on it steadily, no matter how high the stilts are, you must keep your waist straight, not hunched, so you can't step on it, and you must be sure when you walk. To lift your feet.
If you are wearing leggings, you must tie them well, and they should not be too tight. If they are too tight, people will not be able to walk.
[Commentary] Zhao Jianjun, who has practiced and performed "Bitter Stilts" for 30 years out of curiosity, still has scars on his chin after he accidentally fell when he was a beginner.
In recent years, he has performed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other places. Hearing the praise and surprise, he feels that everything is worth it.
Now, 51-year-old Zhao Jianjun said that due to his age, he will no longer participate in the performance after the social fire this year, but he will stay in the performance team as a teacher, hoping to attract more young people to participate.
[Concurrent] Zhao Jianjun, apprentice of Ju Haiquan
I plan to retire this year. I will never step on it again, and I will not be able to step on it anymore. When I get older (energy), I will not be able to do so. (But) this is also an intangible cultural heritage tradition in our place, and we also hope to pass it on to the dolls. them.
Reported by Ai Qinglong and Yan Jiao from Lanzhou, Gansu
Responsible editor: [Song Fangcan]