The Yinger Dance (also known as the Yinger Association) is a unique folk dance form from the Chaoshan region of Guangdong Province (including Shantou, Jieyang, Chaozhou, Shanwei, and other areas). It integrates drama, dance, and martial arts and has a history of over 300 years. In 2006, the Yinger Dance was listed as one of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritages.
The origin of the Yinger Dance is closely related to the historical background of the Chaoshan region. Located along the coast, the area was often plagued by pirates in ancient times due to its inconvenient transportation. In the late Ming Dynasty, local residents organized local militias and established martial arts schools to defend against foreign invaders. During the Qing Dynasty, to avoid suspicion, folk martial arts training gradually evolved into “dance training,” and thus the Yinger Dance was born. The dance content is inspired by the story from “Water Margin” where the heroes of Liangshan, disguised, rescued Lu Junyi.
The Yinger Dance is renowned for its masculine, unrestrained movements and its awe-inspiring formations, earning it the title of “China’s Warrior Dance.” The dance movements include striking sticks, jumping, and spinning, requiring dancers to perform quickly and powerfully with diverse formation changes. Common formations include “Two Dragons Spitting Beards,” “Golden Dragon Crossing Water,” and “Wheat Ear Formation,” all of which originate from ancient military drills and siege tactics.
The Yinger Dance was initially passed down by men, but in recent years, women’s and children’s Yinger Dance troupes have gradually emerged. For example, the Chaoyang Ximen Women’s Yinger Dance Team’s performance during the 2024 Spring Festival attracted a large audience, showcasing the power of women in the inheritance of traditional culture. Additionally, the Yinger Dance has entered schools, where special bases are set up to cultivate the interest of the younger generation.
The Yinger Dance is not only a cultural symbol of the Chaoshan region but also a symbol of spirit. It embodies the bravery and righteousness of the heroes of Liangshan, inspiring admiration for heroes and love for traditional culture. In the Chaoshan region, Yinger Dance troupes are regarded as local pride, with members often being young and strong. They convey a positive spirit through their performances.