Lusheng is an
antique reed instrument. The longest one is more than 1 Zhang (a
unit of length, 1 Zhang = 3 1/3 meters); while the shortest one
is less than 1 Chi (a unit of length, 1 Chi = 1/3 meter). Some have
a maximum of 10 reeds in one Lusheng; some have only single reed
or two reeds. The most popular ones have 6 reeds, with forceful
but low and deep tone or clear and melodious tone. During the long
history of the development of the Miao's culture, Lusheng has been
not only regarded as the symbol of their people, but also mixed
together with dance music, acrobatics and Wushu (a form of physical
culture) etc. With the communication and interaction of the culture
among various national ethnic groups, the Lusheng dance is also
popular in Dong, Shui, Buyi, Yao and Yi people.
There are nearly 100 tunes and dance paces with the Lusheng dance,
of which, 10-odd are most popular, in lively rhythm and in bold,
rough and warm style. The Lusheng dance may be like this: women's
dance accompanied by men's playing or women's and men's dancing
accompanied by their own playing. Also Wushu activities and some
extremely difficult acrobatic feats of the Miao people have been
assimilated in Lusheng dance, which are especially loved by the
masses
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