<p class="ql-block">Waist Drum Phenomenon Sweeps Pittsburgh</p><p class="ql-block">By Chao Shi</p><p class="ql-block">Pittsburgh – Oct. 31, 2025</p><p class="ql-block">A rhythmic new cultural wave is sweeping through Pittsburgh. From the Cranberry Festival to the city’s Chinese Festival, from corporate events at COMCAST, Duquesne Light Company, and PNC Bank to community gatherings at local churches, one unique performance keeps energizing the crowds — the Chinese waist drum dance.</p><p class="ql-block">“It’s been an amazing year,” said Xiaobo Huang, founder of the Pittsburgh Xiaobo Chinese Waist Drum Dance Group. “We received over 20 invitations last year alone, performing across the region at festivals, universities, and cultural celebrations.”</p><p class="ql-block">A Celebration in Motion</p><p class="ql-block">The waist drum dance — or yaogu (腰鼓) — is one of China’s most iconic folk dances, known for its vibrant rhythm, dynamic movements, and joyful energy. Traditionally performed during festivals or celebrations, dancers tie drums around their waists and strike them in synchronized patterns while waving colorful ribbons.</p><p class="ql-block">“The waist drum dance is lively, festive, and full of spirit,” said Chang Shu, an employee at COMCAST who was excited about the group performance during a Lunar New Year celebration. “It stirs the crowd and creates such an uplifting atmosphere — the perfect way to celebrate Chinese culture and the New Year.”</p><p class="ql-block">Another group member, John, shared how performing has become personally meaningful. “It’s such a traditional Chinese celebration performance — cultural, energetic, and full of joy,” he said. “You can really feel the happiness as you dance.”</p><p class="ql-block">From Humble Beginnings to Community Phenomenon</p><p class="ql-block">The Pittsburgh Xiaobo Waist Drum Dance Group began a decade ago as a small community project. Founder Xiaobo Huang, originally from Shanghai, was inspired by a desire to share Chinese culture with the broader Pittsburgh community.</p><p class="ql-block">“I wanted to do something positive for both the Chinese community and local residents,” Xiaobo recalled. “So, I went back to Shanghai to study waist drum dancing with professionals and brought back drums, costumes, and the spirit of this art form.”</p><p class="ql-block">In the beginning, performances were modest — just four to six members performing at local country clubs and small community events. As word spread, the group was invited to perform at cultural festivals and church celebrations across the city.</p><p class="ql-block">The COVID-19 pandemic brought a temporary halt to their activities, but the group roared back to life soon after. With the full-time support of Xiaobo’s husband, Dr. Jay Liebowitz, a retired professor from Duquesne University’s Business School, the group began rehearsing and performing again — stronger than ever. Today, it has grown to more than 30 dedicated members.</p><p class="ql-block">A Shared Mission of Culture and Connection</p><p class="ql-block">For Jay Liebowitz, helping to grow the waist drum group has been a meaningful continuation of his lifelong work promoting cross-cultural understanding.</p><p class="ql-block">“I’ve always been interested in improving Chinese-American relations,” Jay said. “During my 35 years teaching at Duquesne University, I have taken American students to China twice for month-long studying through short-term study abroad programs. Supporting this group feels like a natural next step — it’s a way to continue that bridge-building work.”</p><p class="ql-block">Jay has become the group’s behind-the-scenes anchor — and sometimes even its on-stage star. “He helps organize every rehearsal and every performance,” Xiaobo laughed. “In our group, people sometimes forget Jay is American. To us, he’s everything — driver, prop manager, stage host, DJ, even performer!”</p><p class="ql-block">Their shared dedication has become the heart of the Waist Drum Phenomenon in Pittsburgh. Together, Xiaobo and Jay have built more than just a dance group; they’ve created a multicultural family that welcomes people from all backgrounds to share in the rhythm and joy of Chinese tradition.</p><p class="ql-block">Cultural Bridge Through Performance</p><p class="ql-block">The waist drum dance’s visual impact — bright costumes, powerful drumming, and synchronized choreography — makes it a favorite at festivals and public events. But beyond entertainment, Xiaobo’s group sees it as a way to foster understanding between cultures.</p><p class="ql-block">“Every time we perform, people come up afterward saying how amazed they are,” said Xiaobo. “They ask questions about the drums, the costumes, the meaning behind the dance. It’s beautiful to see curiosity turn into appreciation.”</p><p class="ql-block">The group’s reputation has grown beyond the Pittsburgh region. They have received invitations to perform in cities such as New York, Seattle, Boston, Columbus, and Philadelphia, though for now, they are focusing on local performances to strengthen their community roots.</p><p class="ql-block">to be continued….</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block"><br></p>