DEVELOPMENT OF THE 'YINGGE DANCE' COURSE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMMES: INTEGRATING GUANGDONG'S INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE INTO HIGHER VOCATIONAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to develop an Yingge dance program to promote traditional Chinese culture and enhance students' national cultural awareness and cultural literacy. Yingge Dance is a unique folk dance of Chaoshan area, blending dance, martial arts and opera with deep cultural history and artistic value. The core prop of Yingge Dance is the Yingge Mallet, and performances are often seen during major celebrations, such as opening ceremonies and Chinese festivals like the Lantern Festival and the Spring Festival. To achieve these objectives, this study used a literature review, in-depth interviews and questionnaires to explore the value of incorporating Yingge dance into early childhood education curricula. The results show that incorporating Yingge dance courses in higher vocational colleges and universities can help preserve traditional culture, promote students' physical and mental development, enhance their national spirit and artistic aesthetic ability, cultivate core qualities in young children, and provide a foundation for fostering traditional cultural qualities.-