Sani dances of Yi Ethnic Group are diverse and varied, including Dasanxian, Fork, Knife, Drum, Overlord Whip, Lion, Tiger, and Waving, etc. The most famous and popular is Dasanxian Dance, which is also called Sani Tiaoyue. Sani Tiaoyue is the most popular song and dance of Yi people,  who use “living in the world will mean nothing without Tiaoyue; and people will want to dance spontaneously with Sanxian sound” to express their love for Dasanxian Dance.

The basic movement of Dasanxian Dance is to take three steps then kick twice, and change formation constantly based on this. Therefore it is called three-step pattern or Tiaoyue. Three-step pattern is divided into waltz (slow) and Viennese waltz (fast). Waltz is slow with only Xiaosanxian for accompaniment, suitable for middle-aged and senior people. For Viennese waltz, the basic form is that men play Dasanxian, women dance with claps. It uses Dasanxian and bamboo flute for accompaniment, cheerfully and enthusiastically expresses the optimistic and cheerful attitude of Sani youth. It is very popular among Yi people and appreciated by other ethnic groups.

Folk songs and dances in Shilin are famous at home and abroad for their distinctive ethnic characteristics. Songs and dances of all branches of Yi ethnic group belong to typical folk songs and dances, having wide mass base and coming from life. They originate from life and reflect life, and fully express the emotions of Yi people. And because of this, these are also popular among other ethnic groups, having extensive influence at home and abroad.