Source: CCTV.com

08-02-2006 10:34

Tibet was under feudal serfdom before the liberation in the 1950s. It was Tibetan women who shouldered the heaviest labor burdens, but were relegated to the lowest social status. Local government codes of old Tibet stated: "Women have no right to discuss state affairs," and "neither slaves nor women are permitted to involve themselves in military and political matters." They wove brightly colored clothing, but were forced to wear rags. They gave birth to and raised their children, but enjoyed no right to learn, read or write.

Many changes have taken place since 1959. Since then Tibetan women have say over their own futures. Tibetan women have truly exhibited their brilliance in the new era, assuming new professions as teachers, writers, judges, lawyers, tourist guides, officials, singers, dancers, economists and engineers.

Cedain Zhoima is among those who underwent such a dramatic change. She was previously born in a slave family but was later freed and became a famous Tibetan singer.

You know here women form the backbone of the Tibetan nationality. They are the mother, the herdswomen. They work in the arts, then those who look into the future to create new places in this old society.

This is the home of Baigyi. She was once a famous Tibetan dancer. Although she no longer performs, she still misses her glorious past.

Baigyi was born into a family with a long tradition in the dance world, and understandably became fascinated with it as a child. In 1977, she was offered a place to study in the Beijing Dancing Institute. She received rigorous training in Beijing, and graduated with excellent grades.

On graduation, she had the opportunity to work for the China Nationality Song and Dance Group in Beijing, but she insisted on going back to her hometown in Tibet. Since then she has been performing for the Singing and Dancing Group of Tibet. There, she fully showcased her talents in dancing, and won many trophies in many nationwide and local dancing competitions.

Baigyi is showing me the basic steps in Tibet folk dance. This particular dance is actually for the common people. It looks really easy, but actually the steps are so controlled. I am a little out of breath, especially at this altitude. My excuse. It’s a really beautiful dance, very feminine, very subtle, very much like the women here.

Though no longer performing in front of audiences, Baigyi stayed close to her beloved stage, and has now become a choreographer of the Singing and Dancing Group of Tibet. She is now composing a new set of dance movements in her home.