Exploring Eastern classical aesthetics for innovation in dance drama

If dance drama is the art of exploring the interplay between movement and stillness, then “Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace” opens a window on the vibrant dance culture of the Tang Dynasty through painted clay figurines. This production tells the story of 14 court musicians performing in the palace for the first time. Through music and dance, it brings the grand banquet culture of Tang to life on stage in a modern art form. With a focus on historical and cultural authenticity, the performance invites audiences onto a journey across a millennium to experience the opulence of a Tang Dynasty feast.

Photo of Chen Lin, choreographer and director of "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace", during an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

Inspired by History

Since 2014, the Zhengzhou Song and Dance Theatre has engaged in frequent international art exchanges, sharing China’s rich cultural traditions with the world. This experience has guided us toward themes rooted in history and infused with Eastern beauty. During a museum visit, I was captivated by a set of painted clay figurines, each with unique expressions and poses. Through the glass display cases, I could almost hear the echoes of millennia past. Art is something that never fades, it transcends time and space. Inspired by this idea, I sought to use modern artistry to bring these figurines to life so that they could take a glance at our times. By blending contemporary personalities into these ancient artifacts, we created a dialogue across the centuries.

The narrative of “Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace” unfolds in five acts. As the curtain rises, the performers, initially motionless, gradually come to life in rhythm with the drumbeats, symbolizing the figurines’ “awakening.” They then form a procession to set out for the banquet. Passing through a lush garden, curiosity sparks whispered conversations and sidelong glances. In the third act, they pause by a serene lake, playing with their reflections and resting. When the sound of a horn signals their arrival, they shift to a poised and professional demeanor, ready for their performance. The final act brings the banquet to life in a breathtaking display of both grandeur and splendor.

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

Rooted in Tradition

Classical Eastern aesthetics was highlighted in stage setting to incorporate elements of traditional beauty. Cotton costumes are designed to showcase the plump, healthy figures of dancers, while the colors of Tang ceramics are used to add to the richness and vibrancy of the costumes. Delicate crescent-shaped rouge captures the elegance of Tang-era makeup, while red-thread hair accessories convey the innocence and curiosity of young musicians entering the palace for the first time. Together, these elements bring to life a group of lively dancers and the charm of the Tang Dynasty.

The production features seven pairs of scaled-down musical instruments, including the pipa, pan flute, transverse flute, vertical flute, cymbals, drums, and konghou. As Tang’s prosperity and openness fostered rich cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, and blended diverse musical traditions of the Central Plains, the music in the production incorporates these elements and recreates the harmonious fusion of a flourishing Tang court where cultures converged in festivity.

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

As a choreographer, I’m always exploring new approaches to innovation. Each production requires uncovering the brilliance of the theme. As “Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace” is inspired by clay figures from the Sui and Tang dynasties, we envisioned a fusion of past and present. The figurines’ endearing forms and humorous gestures make them a natural fit to blend with modern traits and sensibilities. We also incorporated moments from our rehearsal into the choreography, balancing the gravitas of history with lighthearted charm.

Similarly, we sought innovation in artistic expression. At the conclusion of the performance, the dancers turn their backs to the audience, creating a poignant distance that mirrors the figurines’ separation from the present. As the “banquet” ends, the performers retreat into the shadow, stilling as the lights fade, returning to their original state as relics in the museum. This final moment conveys that, while time moves on and blossoms fade, the elegance and artistry of Tang music and dance lingers, waiting to be rediscovered.

Freed from the confines of museum cases, these artifacts regain their vitality, coming alive on stage to paint vivid historical scenes and sing the melodies of a golden age – that’s why the production has reached audiences far beyond the stage, captivating global viewers on social media and sharing with the world the charm of Chinese culture.

Contributed by Chen Lin, choreographer and director of "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace", edited by Junye Zhang and Ji Yunfan (Intern).