Young Chinese choreographers' new dances blend tradition with bold creativity

Emotional, passionate or fast and furious, you never know where Collision is going.

"This project (The Dancing Platform for Young Artists) encourages creativity. If people could predict what choreography will follow one another in my work, the production itself will lose appeal to me," Chi said.

Chi's avant-garde style was nurtured during his three-year stay in South Korea. From 2010 to 2012, he studied in Korea National University of Arts and finished his master's degree there. "South Korea is one of the best places in Asia that sees excellent integration of traditional and modern arts. Professors at my university were very bold in creation," Chi said.

Though Korean dance, his major in colleague, had a big impact on his choreography, Chi said he always pursues its infusion with contemporary dance.  

"Influence of traditions is not easily seen in artworks of masters. For example, in Shen Wei's works, philosophy from the East was embedded inside, but not obvious," he said. Shen is a famous Chinese choreographer, painter, and director based in the US.