Hualien keeps local indigenous culture alive by providing classes in indigenous dance and ...

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Taiwan''s indigenous peoples are endowed with a unique cultural heritage, but passing that heritage down to the next generation has been difficult. To help with this endeavor, the Hualien County Government is cultivating indigenous musicians and dancers. It offers annual training courses, with a goal of upgrading the professional skills of local tribal artists, creating employment opportunities in the process. With vibrant singing and unique dance styles, this is the famed Alefeis dance troup from Hualien. In order to preserve indigenous music and dance culture, the Hualien Indigenous People''s Department is once again offering training courses. Chen Chien-tsunHualien Indigenous People''s Department Director When we indigenous peoples put on our traditional costumes and stand on the stage to sing our songs in our native tongues and perform the dances our ancestors taught us, even with some innovations, it is of the greatest glory for indigenous people. The Hualien County Government cooperates with local arts groups to provide scholarships and employment opportunities to train specialized performers. It hopes in this way indigenous dance and music culture can be integrated with local economic activites to create new development opportunities.