The earthly world cannot live without music and dance, neither can the nirvana. The Buddhism was introduced to China from India in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). Not only the civilians but also the emperors believe in the Buddhism. Temples were centers of religious activities as well as entertainment. Music and dance were important components of sacrificial rites, and also one of the religious propaganda tools.
Besides, the solo danceKwan-yin Dancewith Yu Rongling as the choreographist and the dancer as well at the end of the Qing Dynasty portrayed a Kwan-yin Bodhisattva with a halo sitting on a lotus throne.
Professional music was prevalent in large temples in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), dance was an important part of Buddhist activities, andPusaman Dancewas the typical representative. Music played at court banquets and dance performance in the Tang Dynasty had some Buddhist color or directly came from Buddhist dances. For instance,the Dancing in Leathering Clothingof the Tang Dynasty featured strong Buddhist color.
Wind Welcoming Celestial Band, and Procession of Bodhisattvas Presenting Flowers of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) had dense Buddhist flavor. The Mongolians have believed in Tibetan Buddhism all along, so the dance performed in court banquets showed much Buddhist color. Among all, the most famous piece wasSixteen Days of Dance. Many historical records show that this dance is very elegant just like fairies descending to the world.
Buddhist dances in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties were famous worldwide for theSong Welcoming the Springof Yuan Hongdao in the Ming Dynasty andKwan-yin Danceof Xu Jinghong in the Qing Dynasty.
