Dances form a vital element in the zest and joy of living of the tribals. They dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreation occassionally. They vary from highly stylised religious dance dramas of the Buddhists to the martial steps and colourful performances of the Noctes and Wanchos.
The dances of the prople of Arunachal are group dances - where both men and women take part. There are, however, some dances such as Igu dance of the Mishmi priests, war dances of the Adis, Noctes and Wanchos, ritualistic dance of the Buddhist tribes, which are male dances. Females are not allowed to dance in these dances
Some of the popular folk dances of the people are Aji Lamu (Monpa Tribe), Roppi (Nishing Tribe), Hiirii Khaniing (Apatani Tribe), Popir (Adi Tribe), Pasi Kongki (Adi), Chalo (Nocte Tribe), Ponung (Adi Tribe), Rekham Pada(Nishing Tribe), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa) and so on. Most of the dances are accompanied by songs sung generally in chorus.
The Monpas, besides performing Monastic dances for three days during Torgya festivals, also perform other dances on different occasions. Some of them are- Aji Lhamu dance, yak dance and lion & peacock dances etc.
Among the Adis dance had evolved almost into an art form mainly for entertainment and recreation. The 'Phoning' dance of Adis is performed by teams of young girls in perfect rhythmic unison.
Similar group dance in colourful costumes are performed by Nishis and Tagins of Upper and Lower Subansiri Districts.
Arunachal is entirely mountainous except for thin strips of flat land most of which adjoin Assam. Dense forests cover more than two-thirds of the state.
The hydel potential is very high. The population of Arunachal is predominantly tribal. All the tribes are Scheduled Tribes. There are about 20 major tribes which are divided into a number of sub-tribes.
The principal tribes are Adi, Nishi, Apatani, Tagin, Mishmi, Khampti, Nocte, Wancho, Tangsha, Singpho, Monpa, Sherdukpen and Aka. These tribes speak their own tongues.
These tribal people are colourful and hospitable and fond of music and dance.
