Dance embraces new reflections

Serge Laurent, Van Cleef & Arpels' director of dance and culture programs, further explains the three core values.

"We support choreographers in creating new works and programs, as well as in developing creative residencies. We also work with a network of partners in many countries to present performances and facilitate encounters with audiences. Through the Dance Reflections festivals and our collaboration with around 70 institutions across 17 countries, we help bring landmark works and recent creations to audiences and show how the art form has evolved. We organize public workshops and talks on dance and its history to deepen understanding and appreciation of contemporary dance. We also support professional training programs for young dancers," he says.

Laurent notes that creativity itself is never in short supply. What artists often lack are the support systems and resources that allow them to keep working.

He says dance, as an art form, lacks a well-established market. Theater venues often offer low fees, making it difficult for companies to raise funds for productions. This reality underscores the need for businesses to carefully consider how they allocate resources to the arts.

The next act

Since its founding in 2008, Tao Dance Theater has become one of China's best-known contemporary dance companies internationally, touring more than 40 countries. Yet, it has faced serious challenges in recent years. In 2022, the pandemic brought a year without performances, pushing the company to the brink of disbandment.

Laurent first saw the dance theater perform in Europe several years ago and was struck by its movement vocabulary.

"I admire artists who find their own modes of expression. Throughout the history of dance and art, every era has produced artists who create entirely new forms. ... Tao's dancers have a distinctive body language rooted in Chinese culture, and I am delighted to see how their unique movement vocabulary contributes to the development of dance worldwide," he says.

In 2024, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels funded the world premieres of the Tao Dance Theater's 16 and 17 in Shanghai. Last year, it supported Tao Dance Theater II in presenting a performance at the Museum of Art Pudong.

"Van Cleef & Arpels respects our creations. It funds our work, promotes it, and gives us a global platform," Tao says.

Renier says, "Dance needs support and opportunities to reach the public through festivals like this. Bringing together contemporary dance, modern ballet and performance over four weeks allows audiences to appreciate the art form's richness and beauty.

"Having attended many of these festivals, I have been struck by the enthusiasm, interest and curiosity of audiences, from New York to Shanghai last night. Dance is a universal language that transcends cultures, yet it does not always have a strong voice. That makes this initiative particularly meaningful."

Contact the writer at chenjie@chinadaily.com.cn