Tang figurines on stage: Representing spirit of Chinese culture through dance

The creation of “Tricolors Alongside the Yellow River” started in 2019 with inspirations drawn from the rich cultural imagery of Tang figurines. The original idea was to highlight the spirit of Chinese culture passed down by the working people through iconic symbols such as Tang figurines of females, warriors, and the tri-colored horse, by blending their timeless beauty with the grandeur of the torrenting Yellow River.

Photo of Zhao Xiaogang, director and choreographer of "Tricolors Alongside the Yellow River", during an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

Our initial plan was to recreate the static beauty of the figurines on stage. Yet we soon realized that such an approach would fail to resonate with a modern audience. If spectators simply wanted to appreciate the elegance of these relics, they could visit a museum. As a dance performance, it has to show vitality and relevance. Thus, we structured the performance into three parts. The first part uses the intricate movements of classical dance to evoke the static grace and distinct charm of the figurines. The second part awakens the tri-colored horse from stillness to motion and gradually leads to the theme of national spirit. The final part pushes the show to a powerful climax, with music in the background echoing the might of the Yellow River, and expressive movements of the dancers conveying contemporary relevance.

By bringing these figurines to life on stage, we offer the audience a deeper understanding of their profound connection to the Yellow River – one that transcends history, and embodies the life and wisdom of the ancient artisans who crafted them. Our dance seeks to evoke not just the external beauty of these artifacts but the spirit and strength within. We seek to present the essence of our ancient culture to today’s audience.

Photo of the dance performance "Tricolors Alongside the Yellow River". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

From stillness to motion: breathing life into Tang figurines on stage

Our dance language is a bold mix, blending the rhythmic elegance of Chinese classical dance with the expressive freedom of modern dance. The figurines’ static beauty, characterized by the distinctive “S” curves of the Tang era, is transformed into fluid motion through the rhythm of classical dance that links countless small movements into a layered, wave-like flow.

Interestingly, the horse on the stage is inspired by a black-glazed horse figurine at the Luoyang Museum. Its massive form and solemn black glaze sparked our imagination. On stage, the dancer begins by flicking the horse’s ears, mimicking the subtle awakening of a real horse. The horse then gently brushes away the “dust of history,” a motion that bridges the ancient past with the present, drawing the audience into history. With inspiration from the iconic Dunhuang sculpture “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow,” the horse’ movements are particularly sophisticated. Incorporating elements of ballet and classical footwork, we crafted a performance that balances strength with Eastern grace.

The final scene of the performance features a highly ceremonial expression: at the climax of the show, the dancers stand motionless, then slowly bow and kneel toward the east. This gesture not only honors the Chinese ancestors but also brings the audience into the profound grandeur of a millennia-old culture.

In costumes, we drew inspiration from the painted patterns on Tang figurines, and directly painted the intricate designs on the dancers’ garments. This not only preserves the charm of ancient relics but also introduces a contemporary flair and visual impact on stage. Moreover, it brings the performance closer to the nature of art and heritage.

Photo of the dance performance "Tricolors Alongside the Yellow River". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

From history to stage: dedication to art and cultural heritage

Throughout the creative journey of “Tricolors Alongside the Yellow River”, I came to a profound realization: each figurine actually possesses a life of its own. Though the artisans who shaped them have long disappeared into the tides of history, their creations – crafted with humble clay – have endured across centuries. Today, as we study, interpret, and bring these works back to life, we are continuing a legacy that transcends time.

This is an astonishing inheritance. The relationship between clay, people, water and the Yellow River is like a cycle, an ecosystem sustained by generations. It made me realize that art is inseparable from life, and no artist can create in isolation from the world around them. In this process, humans, nature, and art become deeply entwined.

Thus, in reviving these figurines on stage, we sought to express from a humanistic perspective. Tang figurines reflect the everyday life of ordinary people in that era. Even today, those who craft figurines are humble artisans, infusing their labor, wisdom, and emotions into their work. Likewise, we as performers and creators are no different – we, too, are ordinary people who channel our passion and creativity into breathing new life into these ancient creations.

Ultimately, this performance revolves around two themes: unwavering dedication to art; and profound love for culture.

In this sense, “Tricolors Alongside the Yellow River” is not merely a tribute to history, but a reimagining of cultural spirit. Through this work, we hope to awaken from the audience a profound resonance with the Chinese tradition and the Yellow River culture.

Contributed by Zhao Xiaogang, director and choreographer of “Tricolors Alongside the Yellow River”.