“The ability to give new meanings to the classical work ‘The Rite of Spring’ from a unique Chinese aesthetic perspective and a modern dance style not only reflects the charm of traditional Chinese culture, but also demonstrates the innovative power of contemporary artistic creation,” said Miranda Chin, artistic director of the Hong Kong-based Miranda Chin Dance Company.

HONG KONG, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Accompanied by the music of composer Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”, nearly 20 dancers from Hong Kong demonstrated the charm of the “common origin of martial arts and dance” through Chinese martial arts such as Tai Chi, Tuishou and Sanda.

“The Rite of Spring” is a great piece of classical music. Miranda Chin, artistic director of the Hong Kong-based Miranda Chin Dance Company, said that countless artists around the world have interpreted this work through their own culture and that inspired her to create a dance drama that integrates Chinese elements and oriental aesthetics.

After more than 20 years of creation and refinement, Chin’s team “He and The Rite of Spring” (“He” means “harmony” in Chinese) made its debut at French May, a large-scale arts and culture event in Hong Kong, in June 2023.

The dance drama was one of 12 art projects in Hong Kong selected and awarded by the China National Arts Fund 2024. The funding will enable Chin’s dance company to tour various venues throughout the year.

Later this year, Chin’s team will bring the dance drama to France. Chin is looking forward to seeing foreign audiences appreciate Chinese culture, which values ​​harmony and peace, through familiar music.

The dance drama is a successful attempt to blend East and West. In 2002, Chin began creating the dance drama when she was passionate about learning Tai Chi and martial arts. Based on ancient Chinese sacrificial rites, Chin incorporated Tai Chi, Tuishou and Sanda into her original creation.

“The ability to give new meanings to the classical work ‘The Rite of Spring’ from a unique Chinese aesthetic perspective and a modern dance style not only reflects the charm of traditional Chinese culture, but also shows the innovative power of contemporary artistic creation,” said Chin, who will continue to explore further ways to integrate Eastern and Western cultures in the future.

As a dancer in the 1960s, Chin had the opportunity to experience a wide range of dance styles, including ballet and jazz. Of all the dances, Chinese dance was her greatest passion.

“The costumes, music and movements of Chinese dance are unique and diverse, which fascinates me,” Chin said, adding that she had always hoped to understand her own culture through dance.

Over the past few decades, Chin has choreographed and directed nearly 100 dance pieces, many of which are rooted in Chinese culture. “I hope these dances will serve as ambassadors of cultural exchange and spread Chinese culture further,” she said.■