Troupe takes root in prairie

Unin, 32, a dancer in the troupe, explained how they choreographed the milk dance.

"We went to the prairie and observed how herdsmen milked their animals. Every gesture must be real to reflect the herdsmen's lives," she said.

Inspired by her grandmother, who was also a Ulan Muqir performer, Unin joined Ulan Muqir about 10 years ago.

Thanks to transport improvements, the troupe now has vehicles, but things are not as easy as they seem.

"Once, the vehicle broke down halfway on a snowy day. It was freezing cold," she said. "But no one complained. We carried our musical instruments on our shoulders, and walked and sang happily all the way. Every Ulan Muqir performer is able to bear hardship."

Aside from performing, she also has a deep understanding of the spiritual significance of what the troupe are doing.

"Ulan Muqir performers are devoted and always have an attachment to the herdsmen and the prairie. It is a spirit that has been passed down from my grandma's generation to my generation," she said.