Peking Opera, China’s national opera

　　Some of the movements are less easily understood. and actor grasps his sleeves with a quick movement and then promptly puts his hands behind his back in a decisive manner to show that he is bracing himself for some peril to come. 中华民俗节庆网

　　Sometimes a movement can go on for as long as 20 minutes. For example, while an actor is conceiving a plan, his fingers and hands flutter nervously at his sides, and when the plan is formulated, he just thumps his fist against the palm of his hand with a resounding smack. When worried the actor will rub his hands together for several minutes. www.1155815.com

　　Peking Opera's acrobatic fighting, whether between two parties or in a melee, is a skillful combination of martial arts and dancing. 民俗节庆网

　　There are four roles in general: the male, the female, the "painted face," and the clown, which are further classified by age and profession. Sheng or male roles can be divided into three categories: the old, the young and the martial arts expert. Dan or female roles include the young and the middle-aged, the innocent and dissolute, girls with martial arts skills and old women. Jing or painted face roles are always played by frank and open-minded men with brightly colored faces. Chou or clown roles are marked by a dab of white on the ridge of the nose. This character is sometimes positive, kindhearted and humorous, but sometimes negative, crafty, malicious or silly. Each role has its fixed singing and acting styles.  民俗节庆门户网站

中华民俗节庆网