CULTURAL CONTINUITY AND INNOVATION IN MONGOLIAN MUSIC AND DANCE PRACTICES

Abstract

This article explores the historical development, cultural significance, and contemporary transformations of Mongolian music and dance, focusing on how these art forms reflect both continuity and innovation. Rooted in the nomadic lifestyle and northern grassland culture, Mongolian music and dance have served as vital expressions of identity, emotion, and social life. The research analyzes long and short folk tunes, instrumental traditions like the horse-head fiddle, and dance forms such as the Andai, Chopstick, and Chama dances. Through literature review and cultural analysis, the study reveals how Mongolian artistic traditions have evolved while maintaining their cultural essence. In modern contexts, Mongolian music and dance continue to adapt through fusion with pop and Western styles, stage choreography, and institutional preservation efforts. This dual process of inheritance and innovation underscores the resilience and relevance of Mongolian cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.