Splendor of Tang Dynasty Crystalized in Dance

Within the confined space of museum display cases, the painted ceramic figurines of female musicians stand in quiet stillness, silently echoing tales from the distant past. Yet beneath that silence, these relics carry a spirit of their own. From their intricate hairdos and flowing dresses to their delicate expressions, the subtleties of Tang Dynasty figurines are revived through our dance. By translating their story into the language of movement, we unveil and retell the grandeur of a royal banquet unfolding within the imperial palace during the Tang Dynasty (618–907).

Photo of Zhang Zixin, dancer of "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace", during an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

Musicians and Dancers: Ordinary Figures in a Grand Era

These figurines of dancers and musicians embody the grandeur and prosperity of a thousand-year-old era. Some are seated, others stand, holding musical instruments, singing and dancing before the banquet hall. As a dancer, I feel a profound connection to these Tang figurines. Both they and I, in our own way, use the subtle brilliance of minute details to reflect the splendor of a golden age. Just as these silent figures once graced the ornate halls of the Tang Dynasty, my movements, like theirs, strive to capture and convey the elegance and majesty of a flourishing era.

In our troupe, being one of the youngest and shortest actors, I was cast as a naive and clumsy female court musician. At the beginning of the dance, unfamiliar with the palace, I accidentally fell behind the group. In my frantic attempt to catch up, I awkwardly bumped into an older fellow court musician. Later, bent on revenge, she quietly switched places to stand beside me and knocked me down with her pipa. Despite a string of mishaps before the performance, when the solemn horn sound arose, I, like the others, straightened my posture and stepped into the hall with confidence, displaying both my professional musical skills and refined dance technique.

Although they had a short-lived role in that grand era, court musicians epitomize the flourishing culture and arts during the Tang Dynasty. It is also these musicians that passed on the cultural heritage of classical dance. Unlike traditional classical dance with its grand, lavish scenes and graceful, ethereal movements, "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace" represents a unique immersion in the cultural richness and bustling splendor of the Tang Dynasty through the eyes of a humble female court musician. This perspective brings the audience closer to the everyday lives and charm of the era, allowing them to glimpse the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty from an intimate and relatable angle.

Photo of the dance performance "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Striving for Perfection: Seek Excellence in Every Detail

“Greatness emerges from attention to details, and lasting impressions arise from meticulous care.” We pay close attention to every scene and detail in our performance and strive to faithfully recreate the posture, demeanor, and expressions of the female musicians during the Tang Dynasty as represented by the figurines. We seek to retell the splendor of their era. Initially, we drew on the photos of figurines taken by Director Chen in preparation, mimicking their poses and even gaze. We tried to interpret their subtle facial expressions and movements. These individuals come to life through our dance, each with her own unique personality.

During rehearsal, a cup of water was accidentally spilled on our faces. From this moment of spontaneity, Director Chen devised a scene: beneath the twinkling stars, we gathered by the water, using it as a mirror. Suddenly, a playful female musician slipped into the group and splashed the water, and in that fleeting moment, each of us revealed our distinct reactions—some raised their hands to shield their faces, others hastily dodged, while a few instinctively protected their hairpins. As we drifted away from the water’s edge, each performer, true to her character, unfolded her unique dance. The elder, dignified musicians stepped back gracefully, bending slightly to brush off the droplets, while the lively and cheerful ones flitted behind their companions to help tidy their garments. There were, of course, those whose concern lay with their instruments, gently brushing droplets from the surface of the drums. As for the mischievous musician who started it all, she rose slowly, her hand coyly covering a smile, then turned and gracefully lifted her bamboo flute, before twirling into an enchanting dance. Art lives in the details. While we strived to capture the postures of the ancient figurines, we also imbued them with our own spirit, breathing new life into these silent musicians from another era, allowing them to once again radiate brilliance.

Body Language: Real Dance

We chose to showcase the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty through the medium of Chinese dance, using the language of movement to evoke its majestic spirit on a stage of limited space. Through this, we vividly portray the journey of a female court musician, from her entrance into the palace to her performance, realizing the dream of bringing the painted clay musicians to life.

Beyond the makeup, hairstyles, and gait of women during the Tang Dynasty, we delved into the historical and cultural backdrop of the era. From understanding to creation, and ultimately to performance, I visualized myself being transported to the milieu of these female musicians, exploring their inner world. The essence of dance lies in our methodical and energetic steps. Through graceful movements, we bring forth individuality; through the fluid motion of our bodies, our emotions shine through. We aspire to help the audience glimpse the life stories of musicians symbolized by figurines and feel the splendor of that era.

Photo of the dance performance "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Artifacts bear silent testimony to the passage of time and encapsulate history. We should reinvigorate the long-shelved appeal of female musician figurines and bring forth their brilliance. Through our dance, we seek to bring them to life and rediscover their magnificence. From a graceful dance emerges an awe-inspiring picture of the flourishing Tang Dynasty.