Tajik is one of ancient ethnic groups in China and lives mainly in Tajik Autonomous Region of Tashkurghan, Xinjiang. Others are distributed in Shache, Yecheng, Zepu and other counties east to Tajik. They regard eagle as the strong and hero. There are many folk songs and legends about eagle. Even the origin of dance is linked with the habit and movements of eagle. Hence, the "eagle dance" is shaped.
Eagle dance is a traditional self-entertaining folk dance of Tajik ethnic group and the stage is not confined by space. People can dance wherever they want, like field and courtyard. Their dance steps are consistent with the melody of eagle flutes, mainly 5/8, 6/8 and 7/8 beats. Basic movements: the waist bends slightly, the right arm extends forward with fingers slightly upwards, the left arm bends backwards at the waist with fingers spreading apart. The feet swirl by 360o along with the flute and drum music. Then, the dancer retracts the right arm to the back and extent the left arm forwards. No matter in swirling or advancing, two shoulders tremble up and down along with the melody's rhythm.
Eagle dance is mainly for men. There are also eagle dances for both men and women, and also for groups. In festival or wedding occasions, men and women would dance together whenever the eagle flute and hand drum are heard. Eagle dances also include "horse dance, archery dance and knife dance". They are also accompanied by eagle flute and tambourine. The steps are almost same with that of eagle dance. At the start, one dancer of excellent skills would dance at first, followed by others.
