About us
BEIJING DANCE THEATER
The birth of Beijing Dance Theater in December 2008 created the first contemporary ballet troupe in China and a bright new star in the constellation of dance organizations in the Capital. The new company brings under one roof the talents of three dance veterans: Wang Yuanyuan (Choreographer and Artistic Director); Han Jiang (Lighting Design); Tan Shaoyuan (Set Design). These three artists have worked together extensively over the past 5 years, with performances and accolades around the globe, on stage and in films—their new home at the Beijing Dance Theater allows them to focus their energies on developing fresh works that showcase their combined talents. Under the artistic direction of Wang Yuanyuan, one of the most sought after choreographers in contemporary dance in China, the young company boasts 19 dancers all trained in ballet—the first such fusion of ballet and modern dance among Chinese companies. The company’s rich repertoire plays on its strengths in ballet, bringing together traditional elements of Chinese culture and dance with ballet and a modern edge. The company seeks to foster a love and appreciation for dance in Chinese society and has already opened the BCDT Training Center, which gives children an opportunity to train with top teachers in theater and ballet. In an effort to enrich dance culture in China and promote cultural exchange and dialogue, the company is already sponsoring an annual program to bring three visiting choreographers to China. Through performance, visiting artist programs, and educational outreach, Beijing Dance Theater aims both to lead the cultivation of dance and the arts in China, and to bring a glimpse of the creative visions of modern China to the world stage.
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BEIJING CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATER
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BEIJING CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATER ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION AND PREMIERE OF PRISM
June 23, 2009 (BEIJING)
Beijing Contemporary Dance Theater (BCDT) is in the process of creating an original dance work for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Repubic of China. The new work Prism (棱镜) will premiere on August 28th at the People’s Liberation Army Theater.
The Beijing Municipal Government has selected the performance by BCDT as one of only 12 performances for the official celebration of the anniversary. Of the 12 diverse artistic performances, only BCDT’s involves the work of international artists.
The new work will feature three new modern dance pieces by three accomplished international guest choreographers: Nadine Thouin of Canada; Louise Midjord of Denmark; Pontus Lidberg of Sweden.
Ms. Thouin of Canada is well-known internationally for her bold and creative contemporary dance works. Her remarkable career includes work not only in dance but also in film, music, and drama. In 1999, Canadian embassies and consulates recognized her as a cultural ambassador to Asia. Her creation Bone (2002), the first multidisciplinary co-production between Canada and China, was the subject of a documentary film broadcast on Bravo TV which obtained the Jury’s Prize at the Lincoln Center in New York as part of Dance On Camera’s world tour and continues to be screened internationally. She has a long history of work in Asia and China. Her new work will be titled White. Her website is www.go-on.ca
Ms. Midjord of the Royal Danish Ballet brings a strong background in classical ballet. She has a rich repertoire, and has won high awards at many international dance festivals. Her creative works have won her a place as an important artist in the contemporary dance scene in Europe. Her piece will be called Map of Me (and You).
Mr. Lidberg brings a strong sense of lyricism with dance movements at once sensitive and precise, bringing together the charms of classical ballet and modern dance. He works in film as well, and amongst his best-known works is Rain (2007), for which he has received numerous awards around the world, including an “Outstanding Achievement in Choreography for Film” at the Dance Media Honors in Los Angeles and “Best Film” at the London International Dance Film Festival. Mr. Lidberg’s contribution is entitled Luminous. His website is www.lidberg.se/pontus
The three new works together will comprise Prism—a three-sided glass which refracts white light, breaking it into a spectrum of colors.
The collaboration over the summer, culminating in the performance on August 28, marks the first annual international collaboration for the brand new Beijing Contemporary Dance Theater. Though the dance company performed its first piece in December 2008, it already boasts a rich repertoire of 5 pieces and is happy to be working together with a truly global creative team so early in its existence.
“This exchange offers a fantastic learning opportunity for both sides,” says Artistic Director of the BCDT Wang Yuanyuan. “The bringing together of such talented choreographers from Europe and North America with our Chinese dancers and crew allows all of us to learn from one another. A prism also suggests seeing things from different angles, and we hope in our creative expressions and processes we can help each other see from the other side. The arts can serve as great diplomacy—a direct field for understanding and compassion between peoples. ”
Prism will be performed from August 28 – 29 at the People’s Liberation Army Theater.
Beijing Contemporary Dance Theater was formed in April 2008 with its opening performance of Diary of Empty Space playing at the Tianqiao Theater in December 2008. As the first troupe of contemporary ballet in China, the Beijing Contemporary Dance Theater brings together the veteran talents of Wang Yuanyuan (Artistic Director and Choreographer); Tan Shaoyuan (Set Design); and Han Jiang (Lighting Design).
Complete and up-to-date information about the company in English and Chinese can be found at www.bjcdt.org
Contact:
English Christopher Ruggles (christopher.ruggles@aya.yale.edu) Chinese Wang Chao (wangchao927@gmail.com)
Upcoming Performances
August 28 - 29 Modern Dance & Ballet: Prism (棱镜) The Beijing Contemporary Dance Theater presents three original dance works by accomplished international choreographers from Canada, Denmark, and Sweden. Tickets at 6417.7845 or www.piao.com.cn. RMB 100 - 580; student tickets at RMB 50. 7:30 PM PLA Theater. More info at www.bjcdt.org .