A number of Uygur folk dances are performed with props, such as Plate Dance, Sapayi Dance and Stone-Beating Dance . The dances are widely popular, but since high skill is required, they are performed mostly by professional or veteran amateur artists. The Plate Dance originated in ancient Kucha and is popular in Urumqi, Ili, Kashi and other cities and towns. The dancer puts a bowl on his head and beats a small plate in his hand with a chopstick while performing various movements. The steps are basically Sanam steps.
Arms are horizontal or one hand is placed on the head or at the side with the other on the chest.
Sapayi is a folk instrument of the Uygur nationality. A dance for men, Sapayi is popular in areas of southern Xinjiang. The steps of the Sapayi Dance include three steps and lifting one foot, steps back and forth on toe, and squatting on one leg. Its tempo and movements become very fast on specially joyous occasions, so the movements must be sharp and in tempo. Stone-Beating Dance is named for another Uygur folk instrument.