BeijingDance/LDTX brings innovative dance performance and insight to the stage and classroom
The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech presents a performance by a modern dance company known not only for its contemporary dance creations, but also for its cultural and political innovation.
BeijingDance/LDTX will perform on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be held in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
BeijingDance/LDTX (Lei Dong Tian Xia, literally translated as “thunder rumbles under heaven”) was founded in 2005, during a time of rapid cultural change in China. The first professional dance company founded independently from the government, it caught widespread international attention and captured the imagination of Chinese artists.
Under the artistic direction of Willy Tsao, China’s foremost figure in modern dance, and deputy artistic director Li Hanzhong, the ensemble of technically exquisite dancers has served as a catalyst for the country’s modern and contemporary dance movement.
Among the works BeijingDance/LDTX will perform include “Treading on Grass,” which was created for the opening of the Beijing Dance Festival in 2013. Inspired by a rare piano rendition of Stravinsky’s work “The Firebird,” it indulges in the dialogue between the traditional and the innovative.
In “Waiting Alone,” the choreographer of the piece is also the dancer, presenting a unique style of movement that conveys a strong feeling of loneliness and helplessness.
In addition to the performance, the Center for the Arts is hosting several engagement events in conjunction with the dance company’s visit. Members of BeijingDance/LDTX will lead a master class with student dancers in contemporary dance techniques, speak with students in the Department of History’s Revolutionary China class, and join University Honors students during their Friday Tea.
BeijingDance/LDTX artistic director Willy Tsao will speak and answer audience questions on the development of contemporary dance in China during a post-performance discussion immediately following the performance on Saturday, Nov. 15. The talk will be moderated by Helen Schneider, associate professor of history at Virginia Tech.
Prior to the performance at 6:45 p.m., local dancers with the 15-50 Dance Group will perform and offer a demonstration in the Moss Arts Center Cube. During this event, the group will share a variety of different Chinese ethnic dances, including Han, Mengu, Dai, Zang, and Weiwuer pieces.
The group will participate in a traditional Chinese folk dance class, led by BeijingDance/LDTX, on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in the Cube. The 15-50 Dance Group is a group of Blacksburg Chinese women, ages 15 to 50. Members are all Virginia Tech students, employees, or spouses of employees. These events are free and open to the public.
Tickets
Tickets are $25 for general admission and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
