【Chinese Dance 101】'Dynamics of Chinese Dance'【Online Programme】

【Chinese Dance 101】'Dynamics of Chinese Dance' is a six-episode programme introducing the history and recent development of Chinese Dance in Hong Kong through the aesthetic sharing presented by the hosts with dance demonstrations.

Concept & Host: Yan Xiaoqiang*

Concept & Producer: Carrol Ho

Host, Dance Demonstration#: Lam Yin-yi, Liu Wai-yee, Tong Chi-man, Hou Xuchen

Accompanist for Demonstration: Frederick Kwai

Director & Editor: Moon Cheung

Art Director: Dylan Kwok

Costume Designer: Pauline Chan

Production: KALOS Productions HK

*With the kind permission of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

#With the kind permission of the Hong Kong Dance Company

Conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua with Chinese and English subtitles.

The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The presenter reserves the right to vary the broadcast time of the programme.

How would you describe Chinese Dance? Is it traditional or attractive? In this episode, the hosts will introduce the history, origin, categorisation and features of Chinese dance.

Elements of Chinese Classical Dance are often found in Chinese opera and martial arts shows we see every day. In this episode, the host will introduce the origin of this dance genre. By demonstrating through dance movements its unique features, movement directions and the aesthetic principles, we will share with the audience how Chinese Classical Dance can best be appreciated.

Costumes and props often seen in Chinese Classical Dance performances include the elegant long sleeves and the bold sword movements. In this episode, the host will introduce various costumes and props used in classical dance, and by citing a range of selected works, show how they complement the dance performance to add to the visual appeal.

Besides Chinese Classical Dance, Chinese ethnic folk dance is also popular in the territory. In this episode, the hosts will introduce common folk dances of the Han people, such as the peasants’ yangge dance of northeastern China, Shandong, as well as folk dances of Guangdong. Through this, the audience will understand better how local customs, ways of living and geographical location can shape the various types of Chinese dance.

Among the spectrum of Chinese folk dances, those of different ethnic groups other than the Han are distinguished by their styles and features. In this episode, our hosts will introduce the more commonly performed folk dances of the Tibetans, the Mongols, the Uyghurs, the Koreans and the Dai people. The audience will also learn about how geographical locations and characteristics of the ethnic groups shape their dancing styles.

Chinese dance has assimilated the millennia-long history and culture of Chinese people. But to help it take root in an East-West hub like Hong Kong, dance artists not only need to perpetuate the traditional dancing styles but also experiment and introduce innovative elements into the art form. In this episode, we have talked to local dance groups and dance artists to know how they envision the development of Chinese dance in Hong Kong today.