AT a recreation center of Xigong Village in Dapeng New Area, seven teenage girls were seen practicing a Kirin dance with vigorous drumming at a Kirin dance class. Such a scene happened almost every night during the summer vacation, as these youngsters were obsessed with the charm of this traditional dance, Shenzhen Economic Daily reported.

This year, Xigong Village started the application of district-level intangible cultural heritage with its Kirin dance. By now, the dance has gained recognition by provincial experts.

The Xigong Kirin dance, originated from the Qing Dynasty, has witnessed the life changes of residents through generations.

Lin Tinghui, a 79-year-old fourth-generation heir of this traditional dance, told the Daily, “In the past days, villagers didn’t have time to practice the Kirin dance until the winter solstice. The practice was for a performance tour on the first day of the lunar year. All props and costumes were donated by villagers living aboard at that time.”

Zhong Shaojun, a resident of Xichong Village, recalled a story about a Kirin props craftsman they met in Hong Kong 20 years ago.

The Hongkonger from Sai Kung Village was surprised to learn that his village name is the same in writing as that of Xigong Village in Shenzhen. “When I intended to purchase goods from him, he gave us a buy-one-get-one discount, as the Kirin dance is performed with a pair of kirins, ” Zhong added.

Today, they still keep many props given by Sai Kung Village, such as gongs and drums. Among them, there is a golden Kirin head with a red cloth hanging, which reads “Xigong Kirin Temple: Be Safe and Prosperous All Year Round”. All these presents have been witnessing the friendly exchanges between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Last year, Xigong Village also began to set up training classes targeting teenagers during the summer and winter holidays. Zhong said he plans to establish a young Kirin dance team to preserve and pass the traditions down through generations.

(Li Yijun, Xia Yuanjie)