Troupe takes root in prairie

An Ulan Muqir performer dances at a folk festival. [Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua]

"The road was often very bumpy," she said. "Despite the difficulties, we all felt very happy as the herdsmen and us were like a family. They treated us just like their children, with hospitality and the best food they had."

Not only did Ulan Muqir perform for the herdsmen, but they also helped them with shepherding, sheepshearing and mowing.

The troupe would bring a newspaper in Mongolian and read news to the herdsmen to help keep them informed about the country.

"In addition to the newspapers and books, we also took things they needed, such as medicine. We also did hairdressing or fixed clocks for them," said Jia Fengying, 49, who joined the Sunite Right Banner Ulan Muqir in 1983.

Sarinhua, 54, is a big fan of Ulan Muqir. "I take my children to watch Ulan Muqir performances every time they come to our village," she said.

"We now have radio and television, but we still prefer their performances because we can see our life in their songs and dances."

According to Mongh, head of the Sunite Right Banner Ulan Muqir, all the troupe performances are rooted in the herdsman's life.

"Ulan Muqir serves the herdsmen. This is essential to Ulan Muqir," he said.