Confucius
Institute
A Crane Dancing in the Breeze: Cherishing Nature and Serenity
Video: A Crane Dancing in the Breeze (鹤舞清风hè wǔ qīng fēng)
(Choreography and performed by Zhang Han)
Acknowledgment: all copyrights of the videos and photos reserved to Central China Normal University (CCNU)
This dance performance “A Crane Dancing in the Breeze” (鹤舞清风hè wǔ qīng fēng) celebrates the joy of life and serenity. The dance presents a crane dancing in the breeze under the moonlight to the symphony of insects, birds and babbling brook. The music played with Qin (琴, seven-string musical instrument) enhances the aura of harmony and grace.
In the traditional culture of East Asia, cranes are considered as a spiritual bird of tranquillity and elegance, and symbolizes many virtues. Their flying ability is a metaphor for aiming high. Cranes are also likened to noble beings choosing to live in serenity and seclusion. They are also monogamous and known for their devotion to family. CI’s 2020 online photo exhibition Love between two Cranes illustrated a story of two cranes’ life-long loyalty to their partners and the parent cranes’ devotion to their young.
Cranes have been the theme of artworks worldwide. In fact for being associated with longevity, traditional paintings of cranes with ancient pine trees are popular gifts to seniors in China, Korea, and Japan. Since antient times, the movements of cranes have inspired traditional dances and martial arts. Cranes in Australia are known as “Brolgas”. A number of traditional Aboriginal legends and dances are associated with this bird.
About the Choreographer and Dancer
Associated Professor Zhang Han is teaching and researching at the Dance Department of Central China Normal University. She is a Member of Chinese Dancers Association, Government-sponsored Visiting Scholar to UCI (University of California, Irvine) Claire Trevor Dance, and has been invited to perform in countries such as France, Canada, Malaysia and Indonesia.
As the leading researcher in multiple projects, Associated Professor Zhang has published dozens of academic papers, including multiple pieces on the influences of traditional Chinese calligraphy and poems on Chinese dances. Her choreography works have won prizes in China’s top dance competitions and been headlined in the mainstream media.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.