Sapayi Dance


The Sapayi is a folk instrument of theUygur ethnic minority. Two iron rings are attached to a 0.5-meter-long oval wooden stick covered on one end with tin. The dancer holds the stick in his right hand and strikes the tin end against his right shoulder or waves it back and forth so the iron rings produce a wonderful sound. A dance for men, the Sapay iis popular in the southern areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The steps of the Sapay iDance include three steps and lifting one foot, stepping back and forth on toe, and squatting on one leg. Its tempo and movements become very fast, especially on joyous occasions, so the movements must be sharp and in tempo.