Dance of Oriental: The fresh wave of Chinese dance is coming to Los Angeles

By Xiaotong Zhang (Master’s Student in Communication Management, USC)

Encountering the Charm of Chinese Dance in Los Angeles

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the world premiere of Dance of Oriental at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. After living abroad for the past two years, seeing those familiar Chinese elements filled me with a rush of emotion.

First Half: Bringing the Timeless Beauty of Chinese Classical Dance to the Western Realm

The opening piece, “Jasmine,” was undeniably the “memory trigger” of the entire performance. Seated in the audience, I couldn’t help but hum along softly at times. For those of us studying abroad, such a classic tune resonates deeply, evoking our most tender sense of belonging.

Following this was the dance “Chinese Treatment.” Through agile body language, the dancers illustrated the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine—observation, olfaction, inquiry, and pulse-taking. At times, their movements were as gentle as Tai Chi; at others, as forceful as an acupuncture needle. It was astonishing to witness the ancient and mysterious practices of Chinese medicine so vividly brought to life through dance.

A personal favorite of mine was the solo piece “Gaba (Fish).” In Chinese culture, the fish often symbolizes love, desire, and vitality. The male dancer’s ethereal and exquisitely feminine movements, as fluid and natural as a fish in water, guided me to experience the natural harmony of the cosmos.

Next came “Imperial Academy of Painting,” an excerpt from the renowned dance drama The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting. With each light or heavy step, the dancers instantly transported the audience into the world of ancient Chinese paintings. What was particularly delightful was that, unlike the symmetrical aesthetics often seen in Western dance, this piece embraced a distinctly Chinese concept of “asymmetrical beauty” in its formations. 

Second Half: An Interweaving of Multiple Themes

While the first half allowed me to bask in the beauty of traditional Chinese art, the second half showcased the creative team’s ambitious efforts to blend modern elements with ethnic dance. From another segment of The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting to performances inspired by minority cultural traditions, culminating in a finale centered on technology, it felt as though every concept they wished to convey was concentrated into this portion.

However, a more cohesive thematic structure and smoother transitions could have better connected these diverse elements—enabling the audience to understand why “technology” was introduced at that particular moment and how it both clashes with and complements traditional culture. After all, technological advancement is not merely about convenience and progress; it also raises deeper questions about our daily lives. If the piece had delved further into the subtle interplay between technology and humanity through the language of dance—exploring its impact on human freedom, emotions, and social structures—it might have resonated with Western audiences on a more profound and contemplative level. 

Meeting the Creative Team: Witnessing the Determined Steps of a New Generation of Chinese Culture Going Global

After the performance, I was fortunate to engage in a conversation with several familiar faces: Richard Ren, a journalist from The Los Angeles Post; Meng Shi, founder of Oever, the American Organizer of the Gala; and my USC alumna, Yiwei Lu, the event curator, among others. They sought our sincere feedback on the stage design and dance content, striving to continuously refine and enhance their work to better convey Chinese culture on the international stage. I was profoundly moved by their openness and dedication. These individuals are not only creators of art but also passionate ambassadors of Chinese culture. Witnessing these outstanding young professionals at the forefront, I am convinced that the global journey of Chinese culture is not merely about exporting performances abroad but also about evolving and growing through continuous exploration.

Culture Breaking Through: Promoting Western Engagement with Chinese Dance

I was equally touched by the numerous Chinese audience members in attendance, elegantly dressed—some in traditional Hanfu, others in qipaos or modern Chinese-inspired attire. As I walked through the theater lobby, it was evident that everyone had come prepared to present their best selves for this grand encounter with Eastern art.

However, Western faces were noticeably scarce. As a graduate student in Communication Management at USC, I am acutely aware that for a cultural performance to truly “go global,” it must establish more effective breakthrough channels at the local level. Collaborating with mainstream American media, universities, and new-media influencers can ignite broader initial interest among Western audiences intrigued by Chinese culture. Such collaborations would ultimately encourage them to step into the theater and experience Eastern art firsthand.

Conclusion: Let Chinese Dance Take Root on the World Stage

The concept of “leaving space” in Chinese aesthetics is beautifully embodied in Dance of Oriental, where subtle “imperfections” hint at boundless possibilities. May the verdant essence of my homeland flourish across the globe, allowing more people to experience the profound richness and grandeur of Chinese culture.

Editor’s Note:

This article, written by Xiaotong Zhang, a Master’s student in Communication Management at USC, reflects a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey through the premiere of Dance of Oriental in Los Angeles. With a unique blend of cultural nostalgia, professional insight, and a critical lens, Zhang captures the emotional resonance and artistic significance of the performance while exploring the broader challenges and opportunities for Chinese culture on the global stage. Her reflections offer valuable perspectives on bridging Eastern and Western aesthetics, promoting cross-cultural engagement, and envisioning the future of Chinese dance as it seeks to root itself firmly in the world’s cultural consciousness.