Face-Changing Dance Explained

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Have you ever wondered how these performers manage to change their masks so suddenly—without being seen at all?
What you're witnessing is the ancient Chinese art of face-changing, known as bian lian. The most striking feature of this art is the performer's ability to switch the color or design of their mask in the blink of an eye, often hidden behind a hand or a fan. This technique is considered a national treasure in China, and the traditional methods used to perform it are closely guarded secrets passed down among performers.
However, after some time researching, I discovered the secret.
Although the masks may appear solid, they're actually made from thin fabric. Performers wear several layers of these masks, each in a different color or pattern. Using a hidden system of strings concealed beneath their costumes, they pull a cord connected to the mask, snapping it away in an instant to create the illusion. This becomes especially noticeable when captured with a slow-motion camera.