Miao village dance to romance

The Miao minority in Guizhou Province has a special custom. One day before the Lantern Festival, young people from the group dance under the moon to seek their other half. Both young girls and boys are eager to put their best foot forward.

On Saturday, 20 year old Tang Meihua put on her traditional ethnic costume with the help of her mother. Although the process takes almost an hour, it's worth it to join all the other young people as they show off their moves at the traditional "Dancing Under the Moon" event.

You would think that "Dancing Under the Moon" would be held at night under the moon, but it has evolved into a whole day carnival for these young participants. By mid-day, the village yard is filled with young people. If a boy likes a girl in the dancing parade, he will walk near her and play his reed for her.

Tang Meihua, participant of "Dancing Under the Moon", said, "I hope the boy is taller than me, and handsome."

But not everyone can find their match. The boy chosen by Tang Meihua had attended the fair for several years without finding someone he liked.

Tang said, "I have found a girlfriend here finally. It was worth it to dance here for many years."

"Dancing Under the Moon" started with a Miao legend, where the Moon was a simple and honest young man who finally tied the knot with a beautiful woman despite many hardships. This dance celebrating the legend is held around the Lantern Festival or on the Mid-autumn festival when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.