Arts & intangible heritage
Bii biyelgee
The seated, shoulder-and-arm dance of western Mongolia.
Origins
Biyelgee (often called bii biyelgee) is the traditional folk dance of western Mongolia, described by UNESCO as the original forebear of Mongolian national dances. It grew out of nomadic life inside the ger, where space is limited, so it is danced half-sitting, kneeling or cross-legged, and the movement is concentrated in the hands, arms, shoulders and upper body rather than in steps across the floor. The gestures depict household work, daily customs and spiritual beliefs. Biyelgee was traditionally performed at family and community occasions such as feasts, weddings and celebrations, and it reinforced both family bonds and the identity of each group.
How it works today
Each western ethnic group has its own form, with its own movements, costumes and music. Forms recognised in Mongolia include those of the Bayad, Dörvöd, Torguud, Zakhchin, Khoton and Uriankhai, living mainly in Khovd, Uvs and Bayan-Ölgii provinces. Some forms are known for particular feats: Dörvöd dancers, for example, may balance bowls of airag on their heads and hands while dancing. The dance is accompanied by instruments such as the two-stringed lute (tovshuur) or fiddles, depending on the group. Costumes are specific to each community, with embroidery, quilting, leatherwork and gold and silver jewellery.
In 2009 UNESCO inscribed Mongol biyelgee on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, because most of those who carried the tradition were elderly and very few practitioners remained for some of the distinct forms. Since then Mongolia has registered practitioners and supported teaching. Traditionally the dance was passed down within the family, clan or neighbourhood, by apprenticeship and home tutoring. By 2025, according to Mongolia's report to UNESCO, 432 practitioners were registered, including Dörvöd, Zakhchin, Bayad, Khoton and Torguud dancers.
What visitors should know
- Folk performances in Ulaanbaatar often include a biyelgee piece, usually adapted for the stage, alongside khöömei and morin khuur.
- To see biyelgee in a more traditional setting, travel to Khovd or Uvs provinces in summer, when local naadams and community celebrations take place. A local guide can ask whether there is a performance or a family gathering you can attend.
- Watch the hands and shoulders: the meaning lies in small, precise gestures.
- Ask before filming dancers at private events, and follow your hosts' lead if you are invited to join in.