Chinese Folk Music in the Yunnan Impression Dance Drama: Transmission Through Contemporary Educational Theatre

Abstract

This qualitative study analyzes how traditional Chinese folk music is being transmitted and developed sustainably in other performing arts. The primary research objectives are to evaluate the chronological and structural transformations of ethnic folk music across specific historical phases and to formulate a systematic framework for its transmission through contemporary educational theatre. This study is based on the ethnomusicology and pedagogy of anthropology. Formal research and ethnographic observations were undertaken in stratified phases, concluding in March 2026. The empirical framework involved a three-tier stratification of 14 purposively selected influential individuals. This included four authoritative/key informants. The research tools included verified qualitative field survey observation forms and semi-structured interview guides. The results show a unique two-part evolution: Part one (2003–2012) is marked by traditional continuity and artistic construction focused on the preservation of original ecology (Yuan sheng tai), and part two (2013–2025) is marked by creative synthesis including digital sound fields and global interconnectedness. The study shows that production effectively captures the essence of regional pentatonic modal frameworks, indigenous vocal timbres, ritualistic rhythm frameworks, and theatrical workflows as an integrated and living curriculum. Based on these findings, a systematic quad-pillar transmission model was developed, integrating policy, education, media, and technology. The educational aspect focuses on contemporary educational theatre. It presents an interactive laboratory within educational settings, permitting the transformation of endangered minority heritage intohigh-quality, aesthetic instructional materials. Practically, this framework provides higher education administrators and cultural policymakers with a reproducible administrative blueprint to establish secure campus residencies for aging culture bearers and deploy immersive multimedia tools to prevent regional cultural loss. This secures the creative renewal and enduring continuity of diverse ethnic musical practices and traditions throughout the 21st Century. Future research should focus on testing the generalizability of the quad-pillar framework across diverse community theater initiatives and conducting longitudinal evaluations of long-term minority music literacy retention.