DANCE AS LANGUAGE

“Mid-Autumn Moon”

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English translations of ancient Chinese poetry flow together in a tale of lost love and transformation – blending myth with imagination, Taoism with dance

ABOUT THIS PIECE

GOLD JADE WAY is a unique blend of ancient and modern. English translations of centuries-old poems serve as lyrics while the music marries American jazz with traditional Chinese instrumentation. This video showcases how choreographer Kerry Lee melds classical Chinese dance with contemporary movement to bridge an age-old narrative and timeless emotion. Old and new, all working together.

Background
YING YUE longs for the return of her husband, ZHANG DENGLAI, who was sent to battle six years ago. On the anniversary of his departure, she gazes over the river at the mid-Autumn moon. 

Little does she know, ZHANG DENGLAI’s memory was wiped clean when a battle plunged him into the river. He awoke not knowing his past and began to work the earth. Until the sight of a yellow cassia hairpin unlocks something deep inside, and he remembers. Six years later.

Though separated by the river, they long for each other.