Chinese Instrumental Ensemble: Axi People Dancing Under the Moon

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The Folk Orchestra of the Student Art Troupe at Central China Normal University presents “Axi People Dancing Under the Moon”—a bright, resonant, and joyful piece inspired by the traditional dance music of the Yi ethnic group (Chinese: 彝族; Pinyin: yí zú).

Axi People Dancing Under the Moon (Chinese: 阿细跳月; Pinyin: ā xì tiào yuè) was adapted by the renowned Chinese composer, Peng Xiuwen and named by the acclaimed choreographer, Liang Lun.

"Axi" (Chinese: 阿细; Pinyin: ā xì) refers to a subgroup of the Yi people, an ethnic minority celebrated for their vibrant musical and dance traditions. With a population of around 9 million as of 2021, the Yi are the sixth largest ethnic minority group in China, primarily residing in the highlands and hills of Southwest China.

This piece originates from an ancient Axi folk dance music known as Axi People Dancing to the Music (Chinese: 阿细跳乐; Pinyin: ā xì tiào yuè). The dance, often performed by thousands of participants, is a highlight of rituals, festivals, and major celebrations. Its music utilises a pentatonic scale with major third intervals and a unique five-beat rhythm, reflecting the Axi people's lively, warm, and hospitable nature.

During his field research in the year of 1945 to collect and adapt traditional dances, Chinese choreographer Liang Lun was deeply moved by the Axi people’s dance and music. Struck by how often the dance was performed under clear, moonlit skies, he gave it the poetic name Axi People Dancing Under the Moon—a title that has endured ever since.

(Image source: Yunnancn)

Peng Xiuwen (1931–1996) was a distinguished Chinese composer and conductor. In addition to Axi People Dancing Under the Moon, his notable works include the symphonic tone poem Flowing Water Exercise, the erhu concerto The Unyielding Su Wu, and the traditional orchestral piece Qin: Terracotta Warriors.

Liang Lun (1921–2023) was a celebrated choreographer and dance theorist, honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Dance Art by the Chinese Dancers Association. His major works also include the large-scale song and dance performance New Year of Songs and Dances and the dance drama Song of the Fishermen’s Light.

Founded in 2009, the Folk Orchestra of the Student Art Troupe at Central China Normal University has represented the university in international cultural exchange performances in countries such as Canada and Indonesia.