Constantly on the move

The Beijing LDTX Modern Dance Company is constantly creating new works and will be showing off two new pieces - See and Whispering Wind - this Saturday, at Haidian Theater.

The performances are part of the Dance Now Beijing Series, which will provide a chance for young choreographers to work on experimental concepts.

See choreographer Liu Bin is known for his musical sensibilities and the freedom of movement of his dancers.

This time he has found inspiration in the shape of the mysterious character "bu" which means divination.

When the lights go up, 12 dancers, in white uniforms, red hats and socks, swing their bodies around like flames.

"There is a place in the mind without the concept of time and space, no stop, no end it is an everlasting road, and I cannot cease or release it, I will simply wallow in it," Liu says.

Yao ethnic minority dancer Liu Yifeng has choreographed Whispering Wind. After graduating from Central University of Nationalities, as a visiting artist, Liu studied modern dance in Japan where he was able to concentrate on Yao indigenous and contemporary dance.

The set of Whispering Wind consists of huge red pieces of cloth, signifying the shifting winds that leave the dancers straddling two worlds.

Liu Yifeng's choreography is full of sleek movement and this is accented by flowing melodies.

"How wonderful my body feels when it is surrounded by wind. I am free to release my truths. The wind is both my happiness and sorrow, it dances endlessly, under the crystal blue sky," Liu Yifeng says.

"Individuality is one important aspect of modern dance," LDTX spokesperson Yin Peng says. "The two young choreographers, though under 30, have their own ideas about life and the art of dance. They are creative and inspired. They speak for the young generation using the expressions of modern dance."

Willy Tsao, from Hong Kong, and Li Hanzhong from Yunnan, are, respectively, artistic director and deputy artistic director of LDTX, while the corps is from all round the country.

"Every season we come up with new ideas and themes. The year of 2008 is no exception," Yin says.

LDTX has already produced dance works with various styles. In 2008, it plans to keep up the pace and is extending its list of international engagements.

(China Daily 01/22/2008 page19)