Rhythm of the Lotus in Ink

Rhythm of the Lotus in Ink: Starting 2022 with a Dance on Rejuvenation

(Choreography and directed by Lan Tianwen, Music by Wu Na)
Acknowledgment: all copyrights of the videos and photos reserved to Central China Normal University (CCNU)

Inspired by the Chinese ink, wash painting of lotus,and “Ode to Lotus”, a well-known prose byZhou Dunyi (1017-1073), a philosopher in the Northern Song Dynasty of China (960-1127), this dance performance of “Rhythm of the Lotus in Ink” by the men’s dance group at Central China Normal University presents a fascinating display of the life cycle of a lotus flower: from blooming, withering to rebirth. The rejuvenation of lotus resonates with people’s hope to embrace a fresh start in the new year while cherishing those beautiful moments of the past.

Lotus is a symbol of the noble virtue of integrity and enlightenment since the time of “Ode to Lotus”. The sentences “出淤泥而不染 (Chū yūní ér bù rǎn. Meaning: For it comes out of the mire earth, yet not defiled.), 濯清涟而不妖 (Zhuó qīng lián ér bù yāo. Meaning: And cleansed by the pure ripples, but never flirty.)” from the prose have been widely quoted till the present day. (Poem translation by Liu Laijon - http://laijonliu.blogspot.com/2011/08/ode-to-lotus.html)

Audience would find themselves marvel at the amalgamation of the dancers’ costumes, graceful movements and postures, and the lighting contrast. Aided by the full-length skirts made from gauze, the dancers skillfully “draw” the image of the lotus leaves. The combination of the dancers’ movements and stillness is borrowed from “Tai Chi”, a traditional form of exercise in Chinese culture. The light and dark contrast creates the aura of a Chinese ink and wash painting.

This dance performance of “Rhythm of the Lotus in Ink”, together with other original dance works such as “Hands of Land”, “Chain of Life”, “Soul of Teachers in Dabie Mountain”, and “Prime Time” has won multiple awards in high-level professional competitions in China including the National Lotus Award, and Peach-and-Plum Cup.

About the Choreographer (Associate Professor Lan Tianwen)

Associate Professor Lan Tianwen is teaching and researching at the Dance Department of Central China Normal University. He holds a Ph.D. in Dance from China Academy of Art and is a Visiting Scholar of City University of New York, USA.

He has published three academic books, two original dance DVDs, more than ten academic articles, and presided over a national research project. He has directed several dance dramas as well as song and dance performances, such as “Wang Zhaojun”, “Beautiful Xiangxi Show”, “The Three Gorges My Hometown”, “Dreaming of Peachland”. He also won a number of awards in top dance competitions such as the Peach and Plum Cup, Lotus Award, Star-studded Award, National Dance Competition, and National Art Foundation. His signature works include “Chasing Love”, “Ahem”, “Hooked Umbrella”, “Red Son of the Gorge”, “Little Huadan in the Pear Garden”, “Rhythm of the Lotus in Ink”, etc.

The dancers are students from the musicology (dance) program of Central China Normal University’s School of Music. They have performed in China Central Television shows for multiple times. They were also invited to tour abroad to perform in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Indonesia. Their performances were warmly welcomed and praised by the local audience.