Mongolian Dancers Perform in Conjunction with Genghis Khan: The Exhibition

Join the Irving Arts Center for performances by Mongolian dancers as part of Genghis Khan: The Exhibition. All events take place at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75062
 (972) 252-7558. Visit www.KhanIrving.com.

Mongolian dancers Zanabazar Gankhuyag, Khongorzul Khosbayar, Enkhzaya  Nyam-Osor and  Pure -Ochir  Arslanbaatar perform each Tuesday-Sunday at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m.  The dancers perform three different routines that are described below.  Each performance is 15 minutes long and is included with exhibition admission. The performances will continue through Sept. 1.

About the Dances:

Routine A

1.Bid Biyelne - (Zana & Khongorzul, Purev & Enkhzaya) A dance that portrays the daily lives of kids that are accustomed to the nomadic lifestyle.

2.Taigan Ohin- (Khongorzul) A tribe of reindeer herders high in the Mongolian mountains that live true to the old beliefs and culture of early Mongolians.

3.Uran Gar- (Enkhzaya) The dancer will imitate a beautiful swan through fluid and smooth movements of her arms.

4.Jalam Har- Black Stallion (Zana & Purev) A Mongolian horse is smaller in build but it's strong and skilled. It can find food far away from its home but always comes back to its owner no matter what. The horses of Mongolia are very loyal and majestic. This dance shows these characteristics of a Mongolian horse.)

5.Aduuchin- Horsemen- (Enkhzaya, Khongorzul, Zana & Purev) It's impossible to imagine a life in the Mongolian steppes without horses. They're a vital part of the daily lifestyle of a Mongolian.
 
Routine B

1.Tsam - (Khongorzul, Zana & Purev)Tsam is a dance that praises the 108 gods and deities of Buddhism. Annually, this is performed and is believed to ward away evil and bring good fortune

2.Uran Gar -(Enkhzaya)The dancer will imitate a beautiful swan through fluid and smooth movements of her arms.

3.Emneg Suragch - (Zana) It is a dance about a horse trainer. A young colt doesn't know anything, they are trained by a horse trainer. A horse trainer is a person that prepares and trains a horse to do daily routines and races. In order to do this job he must be skilled, strong, and persistent. It is looked upon as a very honored job in Mongolia. 
 
 Routine C

1.Mendchilgee - (Khongorzul, Enkhzaya, Zana, & Purev) This dance is performed at the beginning of any event to welcome the audience.

2.Myangad - (Khongorzul & Zana) It is a dance originated by tribe called the Myangad people.

3.Mongol Busgui - (Khongorzul & Enkhzaya) This dance shows the grace and beauty of a Mongolian woman.

4.Jalam Har- Black Stallion - (Zana & Purev) A Mongolian horse is smaller in build but it's strong and skilled. It can find food far away from its home but always comes back to its owner no matter what. The horses of Mongolia are very loyal and majestic. This dance shows these characteristics of a Mongolian horse.

5.Ohidiin Uyanga - (Khongorzul & Enkhzaya) This dance is a contemporary dance that also emulates the poise and elegance of a Mongolian woman.

About Genghis Khan: The Exhibition The world tour of Genghis Khan: The Exhibition captures the essence of Genghis Khan’s empire, his military prowess, cultural influence, mysterious burial and lasting legacy on modern-day culture. The exhibition, the largest collection of 13th century Mongolian artifacts ever gathered in a single showing, includes gold jewelry, weaponry, tomb treasures, silk robes, religious relics, and porcelain vases.  Video screens, handicraft and weaponry activity stations, a life size ger (traditional Mongolian home) and role-playing kiosks create a highly interactive, educational and historical experience that is fun for the whole family.

Tickets 
Genghis Khan: The Exhibition runs through Sept. 30, 2011. Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1-8 p.m. Admission is timed and the last entry time is at 6:30 p.m. daily.  Tickets are $8 for children, groups and seniors (ages 55 years and above); and $12 for adults. Children under 2 years old are free. To purchase tickets contact the box office at (972) 252-2787 or visit www.KhanIrving.com. Strollers are permitted inside the exhibition.

About Genghis Khan: History’s Greatest Conquerer  An epic tale, the transformation of Temüjin – a poor, illiterate child – into Genghis Khan – one of history’s greatest conquers – is filled with brutality, cunning and intrigue. Born in 1162 AD, Genghis Khan’s early hardships included the untimely death of his father, the controversial execution of his half-brother, his imprisonment and torture at the hands of a warring tribe, the kidnapping of his young wife, Borte, and the violent and deadly rivalry between him and his sworn blood brother, Jamuka. These challenges shaped him into a brutal, yet visionary leader.

In 1206 AD he successfully united the Mongol clans and was given the title of Genghis Khan – Fierce or Oceanic Ruler. He solidified this unification by establishing a code of law or Yasa that brought order to the Mongolian steppes, and prepared his people to wage war with civilizations beyond Mongolian borders.

Balancing the rule of law with the superior power of his military, Genghis Khan was able to take a part of northern China in 1215 AD. Then, he took his armies to the west and conquered a part of the Middle East in 1220 AD. He died in 1227 AD, after leaving each of his four sons a part of his empire and selecting his son Ogodei as Khan of the Mongols. Genghis Khan’s grandson, Kublai Khan, initiated 89 years of Mongol rule over China under the support of the Yuan dynasty. Genghis Khan’s burial site remains one of history’s great mysteries.

About The Irving Arts Center The Irving Arts Center is a department of the City of Irving. The Arts Center became an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in 2007 and is one of only 160 institutions nationwide to earn the honor. More than 135,000 visitors representing 28 states and 205 cities attend Arts Center events each year. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at (972) 252-7558 or visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

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