When Tradition Encounters Time: A Study on the Identity Definition of Hui Ethnic Group’s “Ta Jiao” (Stepping Feet)

‘Stepping Feet’ is a traditional national sport that the Hui ethnic people like. It is originated from Jingyuan County of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Whether ‘Stepping Feet’ is martial art or dance is a question worth discussing. So clarifying the cultural identity of ‘stepping feet’ can avoid the disappearance caused by identity crisis.

Using the methods of literature, interview and logical analysis, this paper explores the evolution of the ‘Stepping Feet’ from its ‘bouncing leg’ origins in Hui martial arts. At first, stepping was well known as a martial art. But in recent years, due to the change of living environment and the expansion of people's spiritual needs, ‘Stepping Feet’ became a hybrid of the martial art and dance cultures and was well known by people. Under the background of social development, the government emphasis on cultural prosperity and protection need of culture’s survival crisis, the form of Hui Ethnic group’s ‘Stepping Feet’ needs to be integrated. So, the ultimate identity of ‘Stepping Feet’ on the cultural identity should be considered as intangible culture. This cultural identity can not only make stepping better integrate into modern society, but also promote the inheritance and development of ‘Stepping Feet’.