The bronze drum dance originated from an ancient ritual activity. The content of the dance varies, but it often reflects the themes of safeguarding the Shui people, the harvest or victory celebrations. Dancers follow the beats of the bronze drum as well as the leather drum which can be either slow or fast. The dance itself is magnificent and graceful. It comes to a dramatic stop after a series of fast beats.
Lushen dance is performed by several minority groups.
It is often carried out during holidays as well as funerals. There are nine dancers, three male and six female, who wear silver horns or flowers mixed with colorful pheasant feathers on their heads, and dress with multi-colored ancient costumes. The men, in front, play the lushen while the women dance behind them. The leader of the dance starts to slowly play a small lushen, then he will speed up the beat and finally switch to a large lushen to continue the dance. Every Shui woman, since she was young, has been taught by the elders of her household embroidery and paper cutting.