Handicrafts and performance skills help boost incomes

Official data show that in 2019, the per capita income of people officially designated as impoverished in the village was over 11,767 yuan, 15.48 percent of which was generated by poverty alleviation efforts in the cultural field.

"I'm pleased to witness the great changes in the village and see that things are getting better and better," said Gao Yuanyuan, 30, a village cadre. In 2012, the recent college graduate became an official in Fengjiaying, and she chose to continue when her six-year tenure ended.

She has good relations with the villagers and visits impoverished families regularly to help and encourage them.

"As their financial condition has improved, they have become refreshed and energetic," she said.

The COVID-19 outbreak affected the domestic tourism industry, but Fengjiaying is currently recovering. The village received more than 20,000 tourists during the three-day Labor Day holiday this year.

Gao hopes that greater cooperation with travel agencies will bring more visitors, which will mean higher incomes for waist-drum performers.

Zhou Zhisai, 47, a veteran performer from Fengjiaying, is one of the volunteer teachers at the government-organized training sessions.

"I learned how to play the waist drum on my own by watching other people perform. I'm proud that I can pass on the skills to others who are eager to learn," he said.

Many of his students are younger than 40 because the folk activity is highly physical and requires a strong constitution.

He said a student can master the basics after 15 days of training, and it doesn't take long before they are able to perform on stage if they devote themselves to practice. A general waist-drum performer can earn more than 3,000 yuan per month.

In 2016, Zhou established a small company that offers waist-drum dances. Some of the performers come from low-income families, and their busiest season is the first lunar month, when Spring Festival is celebrated.

The waist-drum dance was once a male-dominated activity, but more women have become professional performers, including Zhou's wife.

"It's the best form of general exercise. You can build up a good physique and improve your health," Zhou said, adding that he became interested in the art form when he was 8. Like many of his fellow villagers, he sees it not only as a hobby, but also as a good way to earn a living.

"Market demand for the waist-drum dance is higher than before. We're often invited to perform at the openings of new companies or at cultural activities," he said.

He attributed its growing popularity to the renown of Ansai's waist-drum dancers and to the fact that people enjoy the lively performances.