Dance embraces new reflections

On a Friday afternoon in mid-October, 35-year-old freelancer Xue Zi stepped into the bustling rehearsal hall of the West Bund Theatre. A dance enthusiast familiar with workshops, Xue was eager to explore the dynamic movements of Belgian choreographer Cassiel Gaube. As rhythmic beats filled the room, she was drawn into his fluid choreography, captivated by the energy and artistry of house dance.

"After dancing continuously for 15 minutes, I was drenched in sweat and felt a total release of my mind and body," says Xue.

In 2016, while working in Spain, she had the opportunity to learn flamenco. Three years later, after moving to Washington, DC, she took up ballet. She continued her classes after returning to China. When she heard about Gaube's workshop, she signed up to explore a different style.

"Dance is a way to break free from the constraints of everyday life — to sweat, to move. I love the fluidity of movement and want to try different forms," she says.

"After getting used to the muscle control and precision required in ballet, I want to explore other dance styles. I attended a workshop by Cloud Gate Dance Theater in DC, where I learned about incorporating tai chi into dance."

Gaube came to Shanghai to present Soiree d'etudes as part of the Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival in Shanghai, in collaboration with the China Shanghai International Arts Festival. From Oct 14 to Nov 8, dancers from 15 companies in China, South Africa, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, and the United States are presenting works that trace the development and diversity of contemporary choreography.

Shanghai-based Xiexin Dance Theatre performed When Mountains Cry, choreographed by Albanian-born choreographer Brigel Gjoka, on Oct 22 and 23.

Another Chinese company, Tao Dance Theater, will present 15 and 18 on Saturday and Sunday. Choreographer Tao Ye named his works after the number of dancers involved. The work 18 draws inspiration from Three Poems on Form, Shadow, and Spirit by poet Tao Yuanming (c. 365-427). Its 18 dancers use their bodies as brushes to render all 291 Chinese characters of the poems, translating each stroke into movement to the accompaniment of the ruan, a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument. Tao hopes to create a dialogue between contemporary dance, Chinese culture and the spirit of the ancient scholar. Each dancer, he says, had to memorize the full text.

Beyond performances, the Shanghai edition of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival offers public workshops, including the one Xue attended, as well as master classes for professional dancers at Fudan University and the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

The photography exhibition We Deem, We Dream runs at the Museum of Art Pudong through Nov 14, showcasing around 40 photographs by French artist Estelle Hanania, whose camera captures choreographers and dancers both on stage and behind the scenes.

"Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels has supported several dance companies participating in our festival over the past few years," says Li Ming, president of the Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival.