**17. Community Dance**

Traditionally, the community was invited to participate in a dance to entertain the gods from heaven on the night after the couple's ritual. Received by the gods, the couples bring the gods to the community, which is a reason to celebrate. The sponsoring family and the uncle's family serve as hosts of both gods and the community, who are entertained by the dancing which takes place at the site of the water buffalo sacrifice. Traditionally, the dance lasted the entire night, culminating the following day in a series of rituals and leading to the sacrifice of the water buffalo followed by a community feast.

For the La Yi demonstration, the community dance occurred during the day in a field surrounded by forest, which is considered sacred, next to the site. "Miao villages surrounded by mountains are arranged along the mountains and rivers with winding forms, thus forming the characteristics of the integration of ancient villages with mountains, forests and water sources" (Chen and Bao 2021, p. 102). Community members, dressed traditionally, excitedly gathered at the family house then moved collectively to the site. All were eager to participate in the ritual, which had last occurred in the village in 2012. A large traditional Miao drum on a stand was positioned in the field. However, the village women who facilitated the drumming had limited skills and had to be shown the correct way to drum by the few older women. Most community members had only a general understanding of the dances, and with the drumming being so uncertain, many stood by helplessly. "Much of the dance has been lost but could be found in Guizhou province (Peng 2018b).

Traditionally, the community dances all night in a communal celebration, with revelers taking turns drumming and dancing when inspired. The evening is filled with "Many different songs, jokes, so many types of songs, there is much entertainment" (Peng 2018b). The celebration was then carried to the family home at daybreak for a meal. The community returned to their homes to rest.
