The Sound of Kunming

You may or may not be aware that I am not a big fan of the musical art form. I have tried a few and not been overly satisfied (although I have taken pleasure from most of them). Nonetheless I have seen three shows in China.
1. Tang Dynasty show in Xian. A bit annoying, with often piped music and clearly aimed at tourists, but the paper-cutting dance (acrobats with spinning things on string between sticks) and the live traditional instruments were excellent and very memorable
2. Beijing Opera. The singing was a bit grating (I thought the volume was up too loud) but the fighting/dancing was brilliantly choreographed, marvellously executed and even occasionally funny.
3. The Minority Show in Yunnan. Exciting, energetic, stimulating, evocative and even sensual (if you ever get the chance to see this lady doing the peacock dance then drop whatever you are doing). Drumming, singing and inventively choreographed and performed dancing were all on show. This being China, the audience took flash photos, joined in the drumming and answered mobile phones during the show (despite prohibitions) but it still didn't ruin the show. The noise, the power, the energy were magnificent. No pictures allowed, sorry.