HAGERSTOWN, MD - With graceful dance and intricate costume, the dance drama, "Qingming Riverside," gives an elegant look into Chinese culture.
Playwright Gerard Tsang says the drama shows commoner life during the 12th century and depicts a thriving time during the spring fair when many things were invented.
"It looks like a poem, shining light on various pictures and scenes. We just create a painter and imaginary water-nymph and fertile romance during that period," says Tsang.
Dancers say performing with both the Hong Kong Dance Company and Guandong Song and Dance Ensemble is a first for them. The dance companies are all from the most developed region of China.
Lead dancers explain they morph into different roles throughout the drama.
"The leaf of the riverbed is a beautiful lady, but also a spiritual character," says Tang Ya, a female lead dancer.
They say they train every day, but it's not just dancing; it's their life.
"It's not only body movement, but you express your feelings and let the audience know how the characters are," says Jun Chen, a male lead dancer.
"I am a mother of a two year-old girl. You have to take a lot of time for dancing and have little time left for my daughter," shares Heidi Yang, a female lead dancer.
WHAG asked Yang if she thinks her daughter will be a dancer.
"I think so, because she loves to move," says Yang.
The dance moves from the landscape of willow flowers, to horseback riding and trees.
"It's a perfect combination of the east meets the west," says Tsang.
It unravels the story of human nature.
Playwright Gerard Tsang says the drama shows commoner life during the 12th century and depicts a thriving time during the spring fair when many things were invented.
"It looks like a poem, shining light on various pictures and scenes. We just create a painter and imaginary water-nymph and fertile romance during that period," says Tsang.
Dancers say performing with both the Hong Kong Dance Company and Guandong Song and Dance Ensemble is a first for them. The dance companies are all from the most developed region of China.
Lead dancers explain they morph into different roles throughout the drama.
"The leaf of the riverbed is a beautiful lady, but also a spiritual character," says Tang Ya, a female lead dancer.
They say they train every day, but it's not just dancing; it's their life.
"It's not only body movement, but you express your feelings and let the audience know how the characters are," says Jun Chen, a male lead dancer.
"I am a mother of a two year-old girl. You have to take a lot of time for dancing and have little time left for my daughter," shares Heidi Yang, a female lead dancer.
WHAG asked Yang if she thinks her daughter will be a dancer.
"I think so, because she loves to move," says Yang.
The dance moves from the landscape of willow flowers, to horseback riding and trees.
"It's a perfect combination of the east meets the west," says Tsang.
It unravels the story of human nature.
