Rich tradition soars above the clouds
According to legend, Cloud Age is the name of the oldest known dance in China, a ritual dating back 5,000 years. In 1973, choreographer Lin Hwai-min adopted this classical name for the first contemporary dance company in any Chinese speaking community: Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan.
Cloud Gate's rich repertoire has its roots in Chinese myths, folklore, and aesthetics, but it brings to these age-old beliefs and stories a contemporary and universal perspective. The company is made up of two-dozen dancers whose training includes Tai Chi, meditation, martial arts, Chinese opera movement, modern dance, ballet and calligraphy.
Cloud Gate has long established its reputation over the last three decades with interpretations of Chinese classical literature and theatre. These have included Tale of the White Serpent, an updated version of a classic Chinese opera; A Dream of the Red Mansions inspired by Cao Xueqin's famous 18th century novel of aristocratic Chinese life; Nine Songs based on the 2,300-year-old poems of statesmen Qu Yuan; and Legacy, Cloud Gate's signature work.
Moon Water in 1998 and the three works inspired by Chinese calligraphy, Cursive, A Trilogy, are his recent efforts in stripping his pieces to essentials.
(China Daily 05/16/2007 page18)
