Unlike LED Drums performance, the Chinese Drums Performance or more commonly known as Festive Drums Performance, is a synchronized and loud drums performance act. These drums performance are usually booked in auspicious numbers such as 6 or 8. During Chinese New Year, these drums performance are high in demand.
Traditional Chinese
Drums Performance
Traditional drumming is
a key part of Chinese culture, used both to support dragon and lion dancing and
as a performance act in and of itself. These performances are typically
associated with celebrations and prosperity and involve large groups of
performers working in unison to entertain or inspire their audiences.
What is a Traditional
Chinese Drum Performance?
A traditional Chinese
drum performance typically involves 10 or more performers following a choreographed
routine. Each drum used has a specific name and purpose, derived from how it is
played (i.e. if one hand or two must be used), or where in China it was made.
Traditionally, drumsticks are made from bamboo that has been tapered at either
end. Drums and sticks are ornately decorated with colors and imagery fitting
the occasion. Performers also wear beautifully designed costumes in
complimentary or matching shades. While this was once an area restricted to
men, modern drumming is open to all genders, and there are now numerous
all-women and mixed-gender groups.
The History of
Traditional Chinese Drumming
Drums are the oldest
percussion instrument. The earliest use of drums in China occurred between 1600
to 1100 BCE, during the Shang Dynasty. Made using animal shells, skin, and
clay, these were often dyed red, a color associated with strength, luck, and
power.
Drums were originally
used for both celebration and in war, with leaders using drums for motivation
and to ensure a uniform marching pace was kept.
Large armies often used drums to ensure that orders were followed, since
there was easy way to communicate the same message to multiple troops at once.
Intimidation was also a reason for the use of drums, as approaching armies may
have confused the sound for rolling thunder. In other cases, multiple teams of
drummers were used to give the illusion of having a larger army, hoping that
enemies would retreat. Weddings, religious ceremonies, and other cultural
festivals also incorporated drumming
Traditional Chinese
Drum Performances in Modern Times
Traditional Chinese
drumming still has a place in today’s society. While it is not used in warfare,
drumming plays a key role in events and celebrations. As traditional drumming
became popularized and commonly performed, a variety of subtypes emerged. For
example, now you can easily find traditional drumming performers who focus on
aesthetics, drumming in unison without involving any other type of
entertainment. Other Chinese drumming performances involve marital arts or
dancing.
One of the most famous
examples of traditional Chinese drum performances occurred at the Beijing
Olympics Opening Ceremony, where what seemed like thousands of drummers all
celebrated the start of the games with a beautifully choreographed routine.
Booking a Festive Drums Performance
If you are hosting a
celebration, festival, or cultural event, consider booking a traditional
Chinese drumming performance. This is a great way to get your crowd energized,
to celebrate an accomplishment or achievement, or to kick off your next event
or festival. Because of the variation in performance types and aesthetics, it
is a good idea to watch a few videos before booking to give you an idea of what
you can expect.
Traditional Chinese
drumming is alive and well, with performances still happening across the globe.
Book your performance today to witness the magic.