Modern dance pieces often take their cues from rave culture these days.
"I've made enquiries from ravers on numerous occasions and been amazed by the way they dance, with their body movements so free of restraint and with a touch of primitivism. I draw my inspiration from them and created this piece titled Crossing Fire (過火), a term taken from the Taiwanese ancient ritual of crossing fire that symbolizes purification," said director and choreographer You Shao-jing (游紹菁).
One of the best professional dancers in Taiwan, You is also the choreographer of White Dance Temple (白舞寺), which was founded in Ilan County, 2001. It fuses traditional art forms such as puppet theater and Taiwanese opera.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WHAT DANCE TEMPLEN
Crossing Fire is the company's first attempt to return to a more pure and absolute form of dance.
In a telephone interview, You said he deconstructed the body language of ravers and added layers of movement until there was a climax at the end.
"Crossing Fire is the most physically demanding and satisfying dancing experience a performer could ever have. The level of energy needed is unbelievable high," You said. "We have to let go of our mind and let our bodies take total control to probe deeply into a state of trance. It's a direct sensory experience. The audience won't understand the piece if they try to think," You said.
In an intimate setting the dancers bizarrely blend into projections of fast-moving Taiwanese urban landscapes in an attempt to convey the historical and cultural condition of modern life.
Crossing Fire is not meant to be about personal expression, You said, but intends to attain a collective state of oneness, as achieved in ancient rituals held during temple celebrations.
Crossing Fire will start on Aug. 10 in Ilan County, then tour in Taichung and conclude with two shows in Taipei. Tickets are NT$100 for shows in Ilan and Taichung; NT$300 for shows in Taipei, available at the door, or call (02) 2272 6899.
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