A song & dance about history

Harmony is one of the eight parts of the dance production, all inspired by paintings, murals, and unearthed Tang Dynasty relics, such as Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk by the painter Zhang Xuan and tricolored glazed pottery figurines.

Chang'an, which today is Xi'an, was capital of the Tang Dynasty. Many tombs of royals, nobles and celebrities can be found around the city. For example in November early work of a noted calligraphy master of the Tang Dynasty, Yan Zhenqing, was found in an archaeological excavation in Xixian New Area, on Xi'an's outskirts.

Han Xiu was an important official during the reign of the Tang Emperor Xuanzong (712-756). When Han's tomb was unearthed, more than 140 exhibits were discovered, including frescoes whose colors and lines, despite decay, were still recognizable.

"The discovery of the tomb has provided new materials for the study of murals and social customs at the time," Liu says. "We are keen to bring those beautiful dances alive on stage, which helps today's audiences to better learn about the great Tang Dynasty culture."