Sogdian Whirl
The Sogdian Whirl (胡旋舞, lit. 'Barbarian Whirling Dance') is a traditional type of Turkic dance. As its name implies, it originated with the Sogdian people,[1] and it is most famed for its striking spins, during which the dancer twirls in one place with such velocity and grace as to resemble a twister.[2][3][4] When performed at banquets, it was expected to involve a full troupe of Turkic women, rather than being a solo dance.[4]
The Sogdian Whirl peaked in popularity during the Tang dynasty,[1] an era when Chinese society was pluralistic and open to foreigners,[1][4] and it was especially adored by Emperor Xuanzong and his favourite consort, Yang Guifei.[1] The jiedushi An Lushan was a skilled performer of the Sogdian Whirl even when his obesity rendered him immobile late in life.[4] At the Flower Banquet of 754, Lushan and a troupe of female dancers proudly performed this dance upon the request of Emperor Xuanzong, who accompanied it with his own jiegu'.[2]
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Lewis, Mark Edward. "The Outer World". China's Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 2012.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed: Dynasty – The Flower Banquet (Part 3)
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Dynasty – The Flower Banquet (Part 4)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Assassin's Creed: Dynasty – The Flower Banquet (Special)