Atayal Dances and Life

The Atayal people excel at song and dancing. Their dance styles are ethnical, and the contents are related to their traditions and mythology. Whether it's a performance for humanities, common practices, entertainment, festivities, traditions, or religion, every dance has profound meanings, and emphasizes the group. The interconnection between dancing and everyday life show the unique characteristics of the Atayal people.

Since the content of the traditional dances are all derived from events of Atayal life and mythologies, it's inclined for the dance motifs to represent everyday items from traditional Atayal life. Through such atmosphere and content of dancing, one can experience the ancestors' hard work and wisdom. The singing of the ancestors' songs, one may pray for their protection.

 

Dancing and Music

Dancing and music are intertwined like rattan basket. Sometimes the music controls the dance, and sometimes dancing emulates the music; there is high degree of freedom in the dances. Atayal dances are actually very simple, and are derived from daily habits and small actions. Aside from some basic steps, there are steps that are created later, such as the weaving movements, sifting rice movements, the brave hunter dance movements, etc.

 

 

 

Summary of Traditional Dances Myriads of Dances Dance Tools Passing on the Culture