Under the traditional art of “Du Zhu Piao,” Yang Liao combines dance to pursue a more refined beauty.
Besides Li Zi Qi, China is home to another famous “fairy,” who has become one of the symbols representing Chinese culture both domestically and internationally. She is even praised as a real character emerging from the martial arts novels of Jin Yong.
This girl is named Yang Liao, a heir who possesses the unique skill of “gliding on water” found only in Guizhou, known as “Du Zhu Piao” – one of the skills listed as at risk of being lost in China.
Yang Liao and the unique skill of “gliding on water” in Guizhou.
Yang Liao has been practicing “gliding on water” since she was 7 years old. Nearly 18 years have passed, and regardless of the season, she glides gracefully on water like a fairy, drawing exquisite curves.
“Du Zhu Piao”
It is known that “Du Zhu Piao” has existed since the Qin and Han dynasties, spanning over 2000 years of history. It is a skill involving the use of bamboo to move across rivers by the people living on both banks.
In some regions, “Du Zhu Piao” was initially referred to as “Du Mu Piao”, using the water flow to transport wood. However, wood would drift chaotically in the current, requiring people to stand on the logs to manage them, which led to the development of the “Du Mu Piao.” Later, it was discovered that bamboo could float better than wood, thus forming “Du Zhu Piao.”
In the present day, Yang Liao has integrated “Du Zhu Piao” with hand and foot movements and the art of dance, making her famous everywhere.
This skill has no specific rules or age limitations, whether for a child or an adult. The artist performing “Du Zhu Piao” holds a 5-meter-long bamboo pole, stepping on a 9-meter-long bamboo, using their sense of gravity and angle while standing on the bamboo, leveraging the upward force of the water’s surface to maintain balance.
This skill has no specific rules or age limitations.
If one’s body weight is not ideal, they must stand at the center of the bamboo. If the weight is relatively light, allowing the bamboo to “drink water” can help it sink slightly, aiding in balance.
To achieve the state of “man and bamboo as one,” a bamboo pole with a diameter of 14-16 cm and a length not exceeding 8-9 m must be used. Next, it is crucial to train the skill of “water riding,” which involves utilizing the force of water to maintain balance on the bamboo.
Artists of “Gliding on Water”
From a young age, Yang Liao watched her grandmother step onto a bamboo pole, floating and gliding on the water without any support, marveling at the sight. She wondered, “How can a person stand on water?”
Yang Liao’s grandmother was very passionate about “Du Zhu Piao.” At just 5 years old, she followed her grandmother to the river to learn swimming, and by 7, she began practicing “Du Zhu Piao.”
During her childhood summer and winter vacations, Yang Liao diligently practiced, except during heavy snowfall or extreme weather conditions.
Once, during a spring festival performance in Henan, the water surface was frozen, and the staff had to break the ice before the program could proceed. For half a month, Yang Liao performed on the water for two hours each day.
Yang Liao started practicing “Du Zhu Piao” at 7 years old.
Of course, performing “Du Zhu Piao” is not without risks. Yang Liao has faced numerous accidents during her performances. Moreover, prolonged exposure to water makes her body soft, not to mention potential injuries from the sharp ends of the bamboo poles.
“But I feel it’s nothing serious; getting hurt is as normal as eating,” Yang Liao said with a smile.
Building on the traditional art of “Du Zhu Piao,” Yang Liao has integrated dance to pursue a more refined beauty.
Yang Liao incorporates many dance styles, from folk dance to ballet. Wherever she performs, she blends the traditional dance of that region. In her hometown of Guizhou, she utilizes Xuan Opera (also known as Xuan Xi – a form of folk art from Southwest China). In Jiangsu, she incorporates the Buddhist breath and poetry of the Jiangnan waterways…
“In the future, I want to spin on one foot, jump high, and flip on the bamboo. If no one has done this yet, I could be the first,” Yang Liao shared with sparkling eyes and excitement.
Yang Liao incorporates many dance styles, from folk to ballet with Du Zhu Piao.
Being a dancer has always been Yang Liao’s dream profession. Due to her limited height and physique as a child, “Du Zhu Piao” now provides her a stage to shine.
“Gliding on water is my childhood game. Growing up, it has become my companion. Now, it has become family beside me,” Yang Liao reflects on her bond with “Du Zhu Piao.”
Perhaps influenced by the rivers and traditional arts, Yang Liao always gives others a sense of lightness and simplicity, without battling against life.
When discussing her future plans, Yang Liao expressed her desire to improve her language skills to spread Chinese culture to international friends. Because “Du Zhu Piao” has become a part of Yang Liao’s life.
