中文

The Rukai

Myth, Dance and Music

The Rukai Four Step is one of their most important dances. The performers stand with their hands stretched out sideways at an angle, touching hands with the next dancer to form a triangle that’s open at the bottom. After the dance has begun, other dancers may join in at any time: all it takes is for two of the dancers to release each others’ hands and then form new “triangles” with the dancer who just joined. Of course, the overall formation will change if many new dancers join in. Most frequently, the dancers will form a closed circle, but other formations, such as single file or “moving coil” are also possible.

The Rukai Four Step exists in two basic forms: one where men and women dance together, and the other where they dance in two separate formations. Since dance is generally a part of ritual ceremonies, distinctions of seniority and status are strictly observed. If men and women dance together, the men are in front and the women in the back. If they dance separately, the men form a large circle around the women, who form a smaller inside circle—an arrangement that is indicative of the fact that Rukai men are supposed to protect the women well.