Reawakening history and spirit of Wang Ziwu Ding through dance

In our dance performance of “Ding, A Symbol of Strength”, we wish to express the intricate patterns and the cultural significance of the Wang Ziwu Ding. Cast by Wang Ziwu, son of a Chu State king, with the advanced wax-casting technique during the Spring and Autumn period, the vessel is a bronze artifact of profound historical and cultural importance. We studied its historical background, craftsmanship, and its use, so that we can convey its core essence through our dance.

Photo of Zhang Siju, performer in the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength", during an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

In this performance, I portray a part of the Ding, with the three of us coming together to form its entirety. Our costumes are largely unified, but the subtle distinctions – like the intricate patterns and our different makeup – highlight the Ding’s different parts. Only through our collective efforts can we reveal the Ding’s full design and symbolic meaning: unity and collective strength.

At the start of our creative journey, our understanding of the Ding’s history and cultural significance was limited. With the many rounds of rehearsals and refinement, we began to appreciate its full depth. The Ding, as a “treasure of the nation,” not only holds memories of ancient Chinese culture, economy, history, and military, but also stands as a symbol of the enduring strength of Chinese civilization. Thus, in our performance, we aim to convey the profound weight of its legacy with the most straightforward and impactful dance movements, such that the audience can feel its centuries-old grandeur.

In choreographing the dance, we infused gestures such as clenched fists and outstretched palms, which are symbols of strength, unity, and resolve. The lifting movement draws inspiration from the form of the Chinese character “鼎” itself. In blending this character with our bodies, we mirror both the Ding’s shape and the deeper meaning it carries.

Photo of the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Creating this trio dance has been no small feat, it’s in fact far more complex than a duet. The three of us need a heightened level of coordination in our breath, movement, and rhythm. Through persistent effort and seamless collaboration, we overcame these challenges, after capturing the strength and unity that lie at the heart of this work.

For me personally, this project has been an entirely new challenge. The role I play is not that of a traditional character, but rather an artifact, something I must breathe life into and imbue with emotion. Through a deeper understanding of its history and cultural significance, I developed a profound respect for the Ding, which allowed me to grasp its core essence and unique character: the marks left by thousands of years of history.

Photo of the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Each time I perform this piece, I recall the moment I first laid eyes on the Wang Ziwu Ding at the Henan Provincial Museum. Its patterns and its craftsmanship touched me deeply. This artifact has endured millennia of history, yet I had the privilege of reviving it through dance. It’s a feeling that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring, because this performance portrays the very core part of the vastly profound Chinese traditional culture – the Central Plains culture. This creative journey brought me a deep understanding about this legacy, as well as the importance of passing down Chinese culture. Through dance, we are not only preserving culture – we are engaging in a timeless dialogue with these relics, giving them new life through the language of our body.

Contributed by Zhang Siju, performer in the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength".