Volume 18

Authors:  Li Fan Affiliations:Yu lin University First author email: Fanli741@163.com Abstract Background: In Northern Shaanxi Province, China, the Yangko heritage is being revived against the backdrop of contemporary problems and cultural progress. Aim: The goal of this research is to thoroughly examine the historical foundations, current issues, and creative solutions for Yangko preservation. Method: The study synthesizes previous research using a literature-centric method, providing insight into the effects of community dynamics, economic developments, and urbanisation on Yangko transmission. Results: The findings point to a variety of popularisation tactics that prioritize community involvement, digital platforms, and festivals. Despite the absence of primary data, the study offers insightful information about the difficulties this traditional folk dance faces. Conclusion: The necessity of cultural sensitivity, community cooperation, and adaptation techniques is emphasised in the conclusion as a means of guaranteeing Yangko’s lasting legacy in Northern Shaanxi. Keywords: Yangko, cultural preservation, traditional dance, Northern Shaanxi, community engagement, urbanisation, economic changes, cultural heritage. Introduction Background The ancient folk dance known as Yangko is the focal point of the Northern Shaanxi Province’s cultural mosaic, which is carefully intertwined with threads of history. With centuries-old roots, Yangko has been an integral part of the community and regional festivities. Its roots are in agricultural practices and Lunar New Year celebrations; thus, it is a live example of the mutually beneficial interaction that exists between the people of Northern Shaanxi and their rural environment (Lichao, and Jirajarupat, 2023). The dance itself is a colorful, energetic performance that features sophisticated hand moves, rhythmic footwork, and colourful costumes. In addition to being a medium for artistic expression, yangko promotes social cohesiveness through a sense of shared history and community identity. It has historically been passed down through the generations, with seniors teaching younger community members the subtleties of the dance, therefore maintaining the existence of this live culture (Nian, 2023). However, the Yangko tradition faces several obstacles that endanger its survival in the twenty-first century. The ancient customs that have shaped Northern Shaanxi’s cultural landscape are under threat from the quick speed of globalization and the incursion of technology. The younger generation is becoming more and more cut off from Yangko’s cultural heritage as they become more and more integrated into the digital age and urban lifestyle. Festivals and public meetings, which used to be the lively venues for Yangko performances, are becoming less and less common as other kinds of entertainment take the lead (Jing, and Sensai, 2022). In addition, the traditional rural way of life has been upended by the economic changes sweeping Northern Shaanxi, which has resulted in movement patterns that scatter communities and weaken the links that bind them together—communities that are crucial to the spread of Yangko. The dance is susceptible to the effects of increasing urbanisation since it is entwined with rural communities and agricultural cycles. It becomes harder and harder to transmit Yangko from one generation to the next as the old communal organisations crumble (Wang, and Yi, 2023). The Yangko tradition must be revived and preserved in light of these difficulties. Beyond its aesthetic and cultural significance, Yangko captures the tenacity, cohesion, and individuality of the people in Northern Shaanxi. In addition to documenting the historical significance of Yangko, this research aims to explore the multiple facets of this cultural endeavour and develop workable solutions for its resurrection in the modern era (Xiabin, 2020). Understanding Yangko’s evolution and the crucial part it played in people’s lives is made possible by its historical context. Yangko has been a living manifestation of the tight ties that the people of Northern Shaanxi have with their land, from its agricultural roots, which are closely related to planting and harvesting cycles, to its participation in the celebration of the lunar New Year and other important communal events (Hou, 2021). One important component of the research backdrop is the effect of globalisation on Yangko. The rise of outside influences frequently eclipses traditional customs as the world grows more interconnected. Yangko may seem outdated or unimportant to the younger generation, which is growing up in a time of digital entertainment and globalised trends. Developing tactics that unite tradition with modernity requires an understanding of the dynamics of globalisation and how they affect cultural practices (Gao, and Shi, 2023). The environment for Yangko is made more difficult by the urbanisation and economic changes that are sweeping through Northern Shaanxi. Yangko flourished in traditional rural communities, which are currently experiencing tremendous change. Younger people move to cities in pursuit of other ways to make a living, which breaks the generational transfer of Yangko in close-knit villages. The purpose of the research backdrop is to provide context for the urbanisation and economic changes that have transformed Northern Shaanxi’s social structure and impacted the region’s traditional means of cultural transmission (Jia, 2020). The research backdrop essentially lays the groundwork for a thorough investigation of the difficulties and possibilities related to Yangko revitalisation and preservation. It establishes the foundation for a concentrated examination into the popularisation, use, and instruction of this traditional folk dance in Northern Shaanxi Province by offering a comprehensive knowledge of the historical, cultural, and modern elements that define the milieu in which Yangko exists. Problem Statement The Yangko tradition in Northern Shaanxi Province is threatened by several factors that undermine its vitality and continuity, despite its rich historical value. The cultural transformations brought about by modernisation and globalisation have put a shadow over this age-old folk dance, jeopardising its continued existence as a vital component of the region’s cultural identity. The main issue is that newer generations, who are becoming more and more estranged from their cultural heritage, are becoming less and less familiar with Yangko. Traditional forms of cultural expression, like Yangko, are being pushed to the margins as urbanisation picks up speed and millennials become more interested in digital entertainment, potentially ending up in the annals of history. In addition, the transfer of Yangko across generations has been hampered by changes in the economy and changing work patterns, as