Folk dance "Bii Biyelgee" is embodied knowledge of nomadic Mongolian's living style


The western Mongolian traditional folk dance "Bii Biyelgee" is expression of the traditional knowledge, practice and living style of nomadic Mongols. Today the folk dance Bii Biyelgee is performed by very few practitioners or intangible cultural heritage bearers (as described by UNESCO term) from Western Mongolian ethnic groups including Bayad, Durvud, Khoton, Zahchin, Myangad and Uriankhai. Although, the Bii Bieylgee folk dance registered on the UNESCO List for Urgent Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, it is still being under the risk of disappearance. Here following link you can see the information related to Bii Biyelgee in UNESCO website. http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/USL/mongol-biyelgee-mongolian-traditional-folk-dance-00311

                                       
                                   Practitioner is performing "Khoton Bii" 
‘Biyelgee’ is unique dancing/performing arts which are associated with wide range of lifestyle expression, household labor, customs, and traditions as well as spiritual characteristics of different ethnic groups through dancing elements. Biyelgee dancing movements are typically confided to small space inside the ger and thus performed while half sitting or cross-legged sitting, coupled with fist and hand opening and waving, stiff and swift movements of chest and shoulders, shrugging and shaking them, crossing legs, steps, and walks, as well as flexible body movements involved in prevalence. Besides, there are movements such sitting and bending forward and backward to touch the ground with the back or shoulders in combination with above-mentioned movements. Traditionally, Mongol biyelgee is transmitted to the younger generation by apprenticeship training, or by the home-tutoring method. In other words, it is transmitted within the family, clan or neighborhood, from parents to children, seniors to youngsters or so on. 

Practitioner is performing the "Myangad Bii"
Mongolians typically dance ‘Bii Biyelgee’ during festive events such as weddings, naadam festivities, family and labour related practices or other social events for celebrating community happiness and entertainment purposes. These diverse contexts, in which Biyelgee is performed play significant role in the communities. During the labour or social festivities, feasts and celebrations, Mongolian ethnic groups get to express their identities in a peaceful way and get unified generally both in terms of families and ethnic groups. Because such events strengthen the mutual understanding among people and ensure their unity as one nation. 

                                        

"Durvud Bii", practitioner is imitating pray to god

                                    
                               Practitioner is performing the "Bii Biyelgee" in the feast


"Uriankhai Bii" 

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