Discovering oriental aesthetics in Hong Kong dance drama

Accompanied by the music of composer Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, nearly 20 Hong Kong dancers showcased the charm of the "shared origin of martial arts and dance" through Chinese martial arts including Tai Chi, Tuishou and Sanda.

The Rite of Spring is a great piece of classical music. Miranda Chin, artistic director of Hong Kong-based Miranda Chin Dance Company, said that countless artists around the world have interpreted this work through their own cultures, inspiring her to create a dance drama that integrates Chinese elements and oriental aesthetics.

After more than 20 years of creation and refinement, Chin's team's He and The Rite of Spring ("He" means "harmony" in Chinese) made its debut at French May, a large-scale art and cultural event in Hong Kong, in June 2023.

The dance drama was one of 12 arts projects in Hong Kong selected and awarded by the China National Arts Fund 2024. The funding enables Chin's dance company to go on a tour in various places throughout the year.

Later this year, Chin's team will bring the dance drama to France. Chin looks forward to seeing foreign audiences appreciate Chinese culture which values harmony and peace through familiar music.

The dance drama is a successful attempt to blend East and West. In 2002, Chin began creating the dance drama when she was passionate about learning Tai Chi and martial arts. Based on ancient Chinese sacrificial rites, Chin incorporated Tai Chi, Tuishou and Sanda in her initial creation.

"Being able to interpret new connotations for the classic work The Rite of Spring from a unique Chinese aesthetic perspective and modern dance style not only reflects the charm of traditional Chinese culture, but also shows the innovation of contemporary artistic creation," said Chin, who will continue to explore more possibilities for the integration of Eastern and Western cultures in the future.

In the 1960s, as a dancer, Chin had the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse range of dance styles, including ballet and jazz. Among all dances, she was most passionate about Chinese dance.

"The costumes, music and movements of Chinese dance are very unique and rich, which fascinates me," Chin said, adding that she had always hoped to understand her own culture through dance.

Over the past decades, Chin has choreographed and directed nearly 100 dance works, many of which were rooted in Chinese culture. "I hope these dances will serve as ambassadors of cultural exchange, spreading Chinese culture more widely," she said.