Dance Drama 'See'

Introduction

Dance Drama "See" is an innovative performing arts production that combines the visual and auditory realms into an immersive experience. Composed by Xue Tingzhe, this dance drama is a collaborative effort with prominent dancer-choreographer Tang Shiyi.

The production captivates audiences with its unique blend of traditional Mongolian folk music interwoven with symphonic orchestral arrangements, providing a contemporary twist that enhances its poetic and cinematic quality.

"See" leverages the power of music and dance to evoke vivid imagery and emotions, moving beyond conventional storytelling to explore deeper connections between sound, movement, and the natural world.

History and Origin

The conception of "See" was deeply influenced by Xue Tingzhe's formative experiences in music and visual arts. Xue's journey began in Japan at the age of six, where his piano lessons with Osmi Emi fostered an early appreciation for the visual interpretation of music. This early exposure laid the groundwork for Xue's lifelong pursuit of integrating visual elements with musical compositions.

Xue's collaboration with Tang Shiyi on "See" was inspired by the expansive landscapes of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The grasslands provided a rich canvas for exploration, with Xue immersing himself in the local culture by recording traditional Mongolian folk music and instruments, such as the horse-headed fiddle and khoomei throat singing.

Tang Shiyi, a celebrated dancer and choreographer with a background in traditional Chinese dance, brought her own experiences to the project. Her performance in the dance drama "Princess Zhaojun" had previously connected her to the landscapes of Inner Mongolia, informing her artistic vision for "See".

Premiering in February 2023, "See" stands as a testament to the creative synergy between Xue’s musical composition and Tang’s choreography, both influenced by their personal connections to the regions and stories that inspired them.

Structure and Themes

Narrative Structure

"See" deviates from traditional dance drama by focusing on abstract themes rather than a linear narrative. The production seeks to explore the connections between music, movement and the subconscious mind. This approach allows performers to express ideas and emotions through a series of evocative vignettes rather than a cohesive storyline. Tang Shiyi's direction emphasizes the inspiration drawn from words, sounds and ideas, allowing the choreography to serve as a visual representation of the music's essence.

Musical Elements

The musical composition for "See" is a contemporary fusion of folk music elements with Western symphonic orchestration. Xue Tingzhe's soundtrack, described as romantic, poetic and cinematic, creates an auditory landscape that complements the visual elements of the dance. By incorporating traditional instruments like the horse-headed fiddle and khoomei singing, Xue captures the spirit of Inner Mongolia's cultural heritage while transforming it through modern orchestral arrangements.

Choreography

Tang Shiyi's choreography for "See" reflects a departure from story-driven dance dramas, opting instead for an exploration of abstract ideas and emotions.

Trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and now a principal dancer at the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, Tang infuses her work with the precision and grace of traditional Chinese dance. Her role as both director and choreographer allows her to seamlessly integrate movement with the musical composition, ensuring that the visual performance aligns with the auditory experience.