The Presentation of China Dance in Ming and Qing Opera

In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, China dance appeared in the form of traditional drama:

During the reign of Qianlong and Jiaqing in Qing Dynasty (1736 ~ 1820), many colorful local operas were formed on the basis of folk songs and dances. For example, the ancient painting opera was formed on the basis of folk songs and dances. Tea-picking drama is formed on the basis of tea picking; Wuyin Opera absorbed the nutrition of Yangko and Huagu Lantern; Lantern Festival is developed from lanterns and so on. Gezi Opera in Taiwan Province Province was developed from Jin songs, tea picking and car drums, and spread from Fujian to Taiwan Province Province.

The above facts fully show that various local operas have absorbed and preserved a large number of classical and folk dance traditions. The drama and dance in Qing Dynasty has the characteristics of rigorous procedures, strong expressive force and superb skills.

As far as the whole history of dance development in China is concerned, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, dance was in a stage of gradual decline, mainly because:

1. Neo-Confucianism, which advocates feudal ethics, has seriously bound people's thoughts and hindered the development of dance, an art that directly expresses ideas;

2. The ruling class does not attach importance to dance art, and dance activities are limited to folk entertainment and amateur nature, without professional artists and professional dance groups to improve and develop;

3. Changes in social culture and people's appreciation habits. At that time, China opera entered its heyday, and people preferred China opera, which described life and was easy to understand.