Q'shasi
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Q'shasi, or Of the Waves, is a traditional type of performance art practiced in T'vaqi characterized by the rhythmic motion of handheld fans, intended to emulate the natural ebb and flow of the ocean's waves. It is one of the oldest traditions practiced on the island, and is typically performed in groups of three to ten individuals. Q'shasi is most often practiced by members of the To'natona subculture.
History
The art of Q'shasi is estimated to have originated around 2250 TT, two millenia prior to the Second Unification of T'vaqi, with the oldest evidence of the tradition being practiced originating from this time period. Pieces of fans and ceremonial clothing linked to Q'shasi have been found preserved in T'vaqi's underground bunker system. Recovered clay tablets indicate that the practice was relevant to religion at the time, though modern Aqali beliefs have abandoned Q'shasi altogether. It is generally believed that some form of Storm worship was prevalent among the Factions of T'vaqi, and that the Storm was believed to originate from the ocean surrounding the island. As such, Q'shasi developed as a way of showing respect for the Storm by emulating its movements. Though the Storm is no longer present in official T'vaqi religion, adherents of the To'natona subculture continue to hold pseudo-religious beliefs regarding water and the ocean. Q'shasi is most popular towards the western coast of T'vaqi, where the largest percentage of To'natoni are situated.
Viqho, the westernmost settlement in T'vaqi, holds an annual Q'shasi festival that attracts spectators nationwide. Several students of the High Institute of the Arts claim to have perfected the art, though many To'natoni argue that Q'shasi cannot be perfected, claiming its beauty lies instead in its imperfections. This belief is generally unpopular among other citizens of T'vaqi.
Choreography
Q'shasi routines are typically performed on a beach, near another body of water, or while it is raining; performances rarely occur indoors. Dancers are referred to as Nisoni (droplets), and wear light fabric shirts with loose sleeves and baggy pants. Typical T'vaqi robes are considered too heavy and difficult to move in while dancing. Dancers hold one to two fans, which they swiftly open and close throughout the performance. Fans vary in size, color, and shape, and are covered in a thin, wool-derived waterproof coating to prevent water damage. Despite this, fans often need to be replaced after (and sometimes during) rainy performances.
Performances begin with a group of Nisoni standing upright in a line with fans closed and raised above their heads. They will then begin to dance slowly, making smooth, calculated motions. All dancers will then suddenly begin to wildly flourish their fans, alternating between relaxed, fluid motion and urgent, sharp movements. The contrasting movements continue throughout the performance. In addition, performances are influenced by fluctuations in the intensity of rain or ocean waves. A lull in rainfall may cause dancers to move more slowly, while a sudden crashing wave may cause abrupt changes in a dancer's movements.
Performances conclude with each dancer lining up in reverse order from where they started and performing one final synchronized flourish. A standard Q'shasi routine usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, though show lengths vary. The current record for the longest continuous performance is 2 days, 1 hour and 55 minutes, set in 50 PC during the annual Q'shasi festival in Viqho.