Echoes of the Steppe : Discover Mongolian Language, Music, Dance and the Stories of the Steppe
Discover Mongolian Language, Music, Dance and the Stories of the Steppe
Leeds Languages Festival Special
Extending our lunch time community hour we follow Echoes of the Steppe: to further discover Mongolian Language, Music, Dance and the Stories of the Steppe Leeds City Library | 12 November 2026 | 2–3 pm
Curious about Mongolian language and culture?
Join us for an interactive journey into the rich traditions of Mongolian communities!
Discover the beauty of traditional Mongolian writing, learn some everyday expressions, and explore how language connects with music, dance, storytelling and cultural heritage.
From the legendary Jangar epic to the distinctive sounds of traditional Mongolian music and the expressive movements of Mongolian folk dance, this session will introduce you to the stories, customs and living traditions that shape Mongolian cultural identity.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to practise simple Mongolian phrases, enjoy live music and dance demonstrations, and experience cultural traditions through interactive activities.
No prior knowledge needed – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering new languages and cultures!
This event is part of Leeds City of Languages Festival and is delivered in collaboration with Leeds Libraries.”
Meet the Artists
1. Tong Gulong (ᠲᠤᠩᠭᠠᠯᠠᠭ)Lead Cultural Presenter | Mongolian Heritage & Storytelling
Tong Gulong is a Mongolian cultural practitioner from Xinjiang, China, and the founder of Xinjiang Jangar Culture and Tourism Centre. With ten years of experience in intangible cultural heritage and international cultural exchange, she is dedicated to preserving and sharing the Mongolian heroic epic Jangar and traditional Mongolian culture.
2. Samuel (Ulziibayar · ᠥᠯᠵᠡᠢᠪᠠᠭᠠᠲᠤᠷ)Lead Cultural Presenter | Morin Khuur
Samuel is a professional Mongolian morin khuur player, composer and University of Leeds graduate. An award-winning musician and prizewinner at the Baotou Morin Khuur Competition, he has performed internationally and composed original works inspired by Mongolian musical heritage.
3. Lijun (Mio) ZhangGuzheng | Event Coordinator
Lijun (Mio) Zhang is a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds with a background in music psychology. A guzheng player and community music facilitator, Mio brings people together through traditional music, performances and cross-cultural community projects.
4. Deedee ZhangPercussion
Deedee Zhang is the founder of Bandroom3 and a graduate of the China Conservatory of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. Her work spans music performance, teaching, event production and cross-cultural musical collaboration.
5. Boya XieDance
Boya Xie is a cross-cultural dance artist and graduate of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Blending Chinese classical and contemporary dance, she creates performances and participatory movement experiences that connect people across cultures.
6. HaoPiano
Hao is a music producer with an MA in Music Production and a background in classical piano. His work explores the connections between classical performance, contemporary music production and diverse musical traditions.
7. Vince ChinGuitar
Vince Chin is a Leeds-based fine artist and musician with a background in Fine Art. Through collaborative performances, he explores the connections between music, memory and creative expression.
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