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Civilization Object No. 090
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Uyghur Sanam Dance

维吾尔族赛乃姆舞

A spirited Uyghur dance of expressive hands, shoulder movements, and quick footwork performed at weddings throughout Xinjiang.

dna Heritage DNA
history Origin

Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE)

category Domain

traditional dance

verified Level

National Heritage

pin_drop Region

Northwest China

pulse Status

active

Sanam is a lively Uyghur folk dance performed throughout Xinjiang, characterized by expressive hand and wrist movements, subtle shoulder shimmies, and quick footwork. Dancers move in a circle with controlled upper-body poise while the lower body executes rapid, intricate steps. Accompanied by dap (frame drum), dutar (lute), and rawap (string instrument), Sanam is performed at weddings and festive gatherings, with dancers alternating solo improvisations within the group circle.

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Skills & Techniques

Uyghur Sanam Dance Movements expand_more

A lively Uyghur dance style characterized by expressive hand and wrist rotations, subtle shoulder movements, and rapid intricate footwork.

Steps

  1. Start in the basic Sanam stance — upright torso, arms slightly raised
  2. Perform wrist rotations (chombak) with fingers snapping in rhythm
  3. Execute shoulder shimmies while keeping the upper body elegantly poised
  4. Add quick footwork patterns — heel-toe steps and cross-steps
  5. Combine arm and foot movements in a traveling sequence around the circle

Tools

Uyghur embroidered cap (dopa), long braided hair ornaments, silk dress (khan atlas)

Materials

khan atlas silk, embroidery thread, silver jewelry

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Relationship Constellation

This heritage item connects to 7 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.

pin_drop Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region location pin_drop Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region location build Uyghur Sanam Dance Movements skill person Uyghur Muqam of Xinjiang ich person Qing Dynasty dynasty person Silk Road region person Uyghur ethnic-group
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