Holding bronze bells in their hands, male dancers perform stunts during the Repa dance. (Photo Source: 51tibettour.com)

Tibet's Repa dance, known as the oriental Gypsy dance, was considered a way of making a living for those street performers in the past.

The dance, originating from Dengqen County, eastern Tibet's Qamdo Prefecture, was designated as a member of the first group of national intangible heritage in June 2006.

Repa is transliteration in the Tibetan language with three different interpretations, namely, filamentous performance dress or cotton garment, performers' rice-ear-like plaits or reticular strings hung in performers' waist.  

Women holding tambourines perform the Repa dance, a traditional Tibetan group dance. (Photo Source: 51tibettour.com)

With tambourines as the main musical instrument, the dance is an art combining recitation, opera, acrobatics, martial arts and qigong (a system of deep breathing exercises).

Featuring bold and vigorous movements and stunting posing, the dance is performed for the purpose of driving away evils and disasters, as well as praying for good luck and celebrating good harvests.  

Tibet's Repa dance, known as the oriental Gypsy dance, is performed for the purpose of driving away evils and disasters, as well as praying for good luck and celebrating good harvests. (Photo Source: 51tibettour.com)