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Dance series pulls performers to their limits
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TAO Dance Theater, a pioneering modern dance group, will exhibit a dialogue between dancers and their bodies when they stage pieces entitled “4” and “5” at SAIC Shanghai Culture Square next Friday.
For the TAO Dance Theater and its artistic director Tao Ye, choreography has always been about stretching “the boundaries of the flesh.”
Tao says his original works provide a broad space for imagination. Most of his works are simply named after the number of dancers involved. This is to avoid the use of leading titles that might influence how the audiences appreciate or understand a work.
The Number Series — ranging from “2” to “8” — is now a staple of the dance theater’s repertoire. For now, Tao explains, “1” remains empty for a planned solo piece to be performed by his wife and TAO dancer Duan Ni.
“It is not about any story or content, but just the artistry of human bodies in movement,” says Tao.
It has been a trend among modern dance companies in Europe to explore the potential of the human body since the 1950s and 60s, with numerous pioneers creating signature styles and movements during this time, says Tao.
And he is particularly interested in exploring body movements in weightless conditions. From this was born Tao’s series of works featuring abstract circular movements that explore the potential of the human body as a purely visual form with no narrative or underlying emotional subtext.
Though relying on the same principles, the works are always performed with sharp differences.
In the piece “4,” audiences see four dancers moving in abstract circles as they gather, disperse and form flowing shapes.
In “5,” all five dancers cling together in their movements throughout the piece. They dance as one unit, while practicing the series’ signature circular movements.
Of course, intensive training is required for such demanding stage performances. Any new dancer to the theater needs to train for at least six months before they can perform on stage. All dancers also need to be full-time theater members.
“It requires much concentration to complete each of Tao’s work, though we never actually think on stage,” says Duan, the dancer. “It only works based on long-term practice, so as to always be aware of your movement and connection with other dancers.”
Established in 2008, the Beijing-based group has gained worldwide fame after touring over 40 countries and regions, performing at theaters and festivals like National Arts Center of Canada, Europalia International Arts Festival in Belgium, Singapore Arts Festival and Vienna Festival, as well as last year’s Shanghai International Arts Festival.
Date: September 2, 7:15pm
Venue: SAIC Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Fuxing Rd M.
Tickets: 80-480 yuan
Tel: 6472-6000
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