Embodied Heritage and Cultural Memory: A Comparative Study of Oroqen, Evenki, and Daur Dance Traditions in Inner Mongolia

This study investigates the cultural meanings and ethnic memory embedded in the traditional dances of three minority groups in China’s Inner Mongolia: the Oroqen, Evenki, and Daur. Through comparative analysis, the research explores how these dances function not only as aesthetic expressions but also as profound symbols of cultural identity, ecological consciousness, and totemic belief. Examining movement vocabularies, ritual functions, and performance contexts, the study reveals that dance acts as a multidimensional medium—bridging past and present, sacred and communal, natural and symbolic. More than artistic practices, these dances serve as living archives of ethnic heritage, embodying intergenerational knowledge, historical narratives, and communal values. The Oroqen’s hunting-mimetic dances, the Evenki’s shamanic rituals, and the Daur’s festive performances each demonstrate how dance reflects cosmological worldviews and sustains cultural identity. In the context of modernization and cultural homogenization, traditional dance emerges as a form of cultural resilience and resistance. This study argues for the vital role of indigenous dance in maintaining ethnic distinctiveness while enabling adaptive innovation. By highlighting the social, spiritual, and ecological functions of dance, this research contributes to the preservation and appreciation of China’s intangible cultural heritage.