An Ulan Muqir performer dances at a folk festival.[Photo/Xinhua]

Not only did Ulan Muqir perform for the herdsmen, but they also helped them with shepherding, sheepshearing and mowing.

The troupe would bring a newspaper in Mongolian and read news to the herdsmen to help keep them informed about the country.

"In addition to the newspapers and books, we also took things they needed, such as medicine. We also did hairdressing or fixed clocks for them," said Jia Fengying, 49, who joined the Sunite Right Banner Ulan Muqir in 1983.

Sarinhua, 54, is a big fan of Ulan Muqir. "I take my children to watch Ulan Muqir performances every time they come to our village," she said.

"We now have radio and television, but we still prefer their performances because we can see our life in their songs and dances."

According to Mongh, head of the Sunite Right Banner Ulan Muqir, all the troupe performances are rooted in the herdsman's life.

"Ulan Muqir serves the herdsmen. This is essential to Ulan Muqir," he said.

Unin, 32, a dancer in the troupe, explained how they choreographed the milk dance.

"We went to the prairie and observed how herdsmen milked their animals. Every gesture must be real to reflect the herdsmen's lives," she said.

Inspired by her grandmother, who was also a Ulan Muqir performer, Unin joined Ulan Muqir about 10 years ago.

Thanks to transport improvements, the troupe now has vehicles, but things are not as easy as they seem.

"Once, the vehicle broke down halfway on a snowy day. It was freezing cold," she said. "But no one complained. We carried our musical instruments on our shoulders, and walked and sang happily all the way. Every Ulan Muqir performer is able to bear hardship."

Aside from performing, she also has a deep understanding of the spiritual significance of what the troupe are doing.

"Ulan Muqir performers are devoted and always have an attachment to the herdsmen and the prairie. It is a spirit that has been passed down from my grandma's generation to my generation," she said.