Guangzhou Ballet at Lincoln Center
The Guangzhou Ballet of China soared at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on the evening of August 17th and afternoon of August 18th in Manhattan. The New York debut of the ballet company was a triumphant engagement. The hot summer weather did not stop the balletomanes from packing the cool David H. Koch Theater. The audience was enthusiastic with applause and cheers for the sensational performances.
The world-renowned classical dance troupe performed in two compositions Carmina Burana and Goddess of the Luo River. Carmina Burana was inspired by the 24 medieval poems of Carl Orff about life’s wheel of fortune.The romantic Goddess of the Luo River is based on a myth in ancient China. The legend goes the goddess was the beautiful daughter of an emperor who drowned crossing a river and becomes a deity.
The brightest stars of the company Zhou Yu, Kou Zuquan, Huang Ping, Zhang Weiwei, Fang Afang, Huang Baimao, Zhang Yang, Ma Minghao and Ou Jiayuan performed masterly dance combinations with dramatic flair.
The contemporary choreography of Jiang Qi was primitive and sensual in style for Carmina Burana. The Goddess of the Luo River choreography by Peter Quanz was breathtakingly lovely. The dramatic score for Goddess of the Luo River done by the company composer Du Mingxu was charged with emotion.
The beautiful and traditional Chinese set by designer Han Jiang was picturesque mountains, clouds, moonlight and flowing water captured the romanticism of the classic Goddess of the Luo River. Anne Armit’s lyrical costumes were wisps of perfection. Carmina Burana’s set designer Han created an innovative and modern set design for Carmina Burana. Cheng Hua, Guangzhou Ballet’s costume designer styled the dancers in sexy and daring costumes for both sexes.
Bridging East and West, thanks to Artistic Director Zou Gang and presenter China Arts and Entertainment Group for sharing the artistry and culture of Guangzhou Ballet of China with us all.
