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Creative collaborations in miniature

Elizabeth Cameron Dalman. PHOTO: IAN BARTHOLOMEW, TAIPEI TIMES

Creative collaborations, especially in the field of dance, have already begun to take root in Taiwan. Most recently, the Crossover Dance Company brought over British choreographer Charlotte Vincent to work with local performers in creating an original work titled After the Party. Now, the Grace Hsiao Dance Theater (蕭靜文舞團) has brought over Elizabeth Cameron Dalman, founder of the Mirramu Dance Company of Australia, who will be presenting two old works Sun and Moon and Release of an Oath, which will be performed next weekend at Circle 15 Theater (圓15劇場) in Taipei under the title Cross Tracks II: A Meeting of Two Cultures.

This is Dalman's fourth visit to Taiwan. Her early work such as Sun and Moon, which was created in 1967, drew heavily on Australian Aboriginal mythology and she believes that this kind of work has a special relevance to Taiwan. "This was created in the face of Australia's `cultural cringe,' at a time when Australia was trying hard to find its cultural identity," she said, adding that while she sought inspiration from Aboriginal work, she did not seek in any manner to imitate it.

At a time when Taiwan is also looking to draw on its complex history for artistic inspiration, Dalman's words sound a very resonant note. "Really, Australia and Taiwan have a lot in common. We are both small countries," she said, referring to population and outlook.

Sun and Moon, a fluid duet in which the female dancer represents the sun, gives the dancers a chance to explore themes that exist in all cultures, but giving them slightly different expression.

Speaking about the uses of cross-cultural dance, Dalman said that the exercise of working with dancers from a different culture required a great deal of mutual understanding. "This in itself is valuable," she said. Based on the common language of dance, working with people from other cultures also generates new tools for creativity.

Cross Tracks II will be performed at Circle 15 Theater located at 3F, 40-1 Chungshan S. Rd., Taipei (台北市中山北路二段40-1號3樓) on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. Tickets are NT$400 and are available from the Grace Hsiao Dance Theater by calling tel (02) 2560-5724 or (02) 2567-3752.
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