XIANG XU DANCE
Upcoming Performance
XY
World Premiere
Choreographer: Xiang Xu,
Associate Choreographer: Heidi Yu (Hyung Ji Yu)
Performers: Jonathan Colafrancesco, Gabrielle DiNizo
Length: 1hour and 20 minutes
Address: Aaron Davis Hall (115 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10027)
Date: Saturday, November 18rd, 2023, at 7:30 PM
Tickets Coming Out Soon


XY is an endeavor by contemporary choreographer and professor Xiang Xu to build a new dance language based on merging Asian philosophies and Asian body aesthetics into Western contemporary dance. This dance work focuses on discovering the philosophical concept of human self-awareness, which allows the audience to self-reflect and discovers themselves as human beings and how we see the world as a duality. Furthermore, XY explores the creation and performance of a new aesthetic balance between East and West, it also combines the internal world between males and females based on different cultural inferences. As a multicultural dance piece, I strive to discover inherent body languages based on social relationships and how these intangible movements play a roles between humans and the society.
Humanity is at the forefront of my choreographic exploration. Throughout my piece, discovery and reflection will be frequent states of mind as viewers will rethink the relationships between dance and humans alongside the transformation towards human philosophy. It is my desire to create art that not only expresses emotion or activities, but rather challenges and drives people to transition from denial towards self-awareness.



Proudly Sponsored by Aaron Davis Hall and Supported by the Vice Provost for the Arts Grant Award from Temple University




"Ой, цветёт калина"
Commissioned Piece for Boris Eifman Dance Academy and Innopraktika school
Choreography I Xiang Xu
Lighting Design I Jay Herzog
Costume Design I Leigh Targaryen
Cast I Boris Eifman Dance Academy
"Ой, цветет калина" is a mesmerizing contemporary ballet that beckons the audience into a world infused with timeless romance. It transcends the boundaries of time, seamlessly weaving together the past, present, and future, where the delicate threads of human connection intertwine with the enigmatic allure of machines. Amidst this enchanting tapestry, a pure love story unfolds, an emblematic tale that may be the very cornerstone of our human civilization.
As we contemplate the passage of time and the cyclical nature of our collective history, we find solace in the profound significance of an ordinary love story between two souls. It is the essence of our shared humanity, a vital thread that weaves through the fabric of generations. With each passing era, as we pass down the cherished love song, "Ой, цветет калина" to our successors, we question whether the future will hold dear the remembrance of that age-old romance. Will this treasured opus endure, transcending the boundaries of time, echoing into the very depths of our human civilization?
In the twilight of our existence, as we ponder the inevitable rise of robots and their ascension to prominence, we find solace in the notion that even they, with their cold steel and circuitry, might carry within them the echoes of "Ой, цветет калина." For in the grand tapestry of our shared experiences, this dance work stands as a testament to the eternal power of love. And perhaps, as the recorder faithfully captures the essence of this timeless ballet, it will serve as an everlasting vessel, preserving "Ой, цветет калина" for a thousand years and beyond, ensuring that our most precious tales endure through the ages.




Human Relations
Commissioned Piece for Boris Eifman Dance Academy and Innopraktika school
Choreography I Xiang Xu
Lighting Design I Jay Herzog
Costume Design I Leigh Targaryen
Cast I Boris Eifman Dance Academy
"Human Relations" is an evocative dance work that delves into the complex nature of social encounters. Drawing inspiration from Sartre's philosophical masterpiece, "Being and Nothingness," the performance explores how human relations can often lead to a sense of self- alienation. However, the work challenges the notion that philosophy is solely subjective, emphasizing that truth can be found in the natural laws governing our existence— interconnection, altruism, harmony, balance, interdependence, and unity. Through mesmerizing choreography, the dancers illuminate the implications of these principles, offering a template for genuine and fulfilling relationships. From the varying dynamics of human interactions in different cultural and religious contexts to the rich tapestry of history's stories, "Human Relations" unveils the profound philosophies embedded within our actions and invites audiences to reflect on their own role in the interconnected dance of life.


NuWa (女媧)
2023 Bessies Nominee, Outstanding Choreographer /Creator
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August 19, 2022 at 6:30pm EST (Premiere)
Arts on Site; 12 St Marks Place, Studio 3R; New York, New York 10003
NuWa (女媧) is the mother goddess of Chinese mythology who repaired the Pillars of Heaven. She felt an indescribable loneliness and created the first human inspired by her own image reflected in the water.
Choreographer: Jessica Chen
Associate Choreographer: Xiang Xu
Dancers: Chieh Hsiung and Sumire Ishige
Composer: PaprTape
Costume Designer: Lui Konno
NuWa (女媧) is performed as part of We Belong Here: AAPI Festival, a fully presented opportunity for choreographers that identify with the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, hosted by Arts On Site as part of their ARTS IN SITE, a performance series bringing underrepresented artists into view.
* This work is made possible through the Dance/NYC Dance Advancement Fund, Amerivision Inc, and an ongoing residency at the Museum of Chinese in America.

We hope you will join us as we reunite and connect in solidarity through dance, art, and expression. These programs will present J CHEN PROJECT repertory along with featuring a total of 8 Asian-American choreographic voices. We want to use this opportunity to amplify the AAPI arts community and celebrate these artists.

Spring Concert 2022 Presented by Department of Dance Towson University

“Embrace” highlights a vibrant series of dance works, uplifting the unique thoughts, bodies, voices, and means of expression of the Spring 2022 Towson University Dance Company. Featured choreographers include TU faculty members Tracie Burton-Hooper, Nicole A. Martinell, Caitlin McAfee, Vincent E. Thomas, and Caroline Rocher Barnes and special guest choreographer, Xiang Xu.
Spring 2022 Concert on Tour

The works you are about to witness represent JMU Dance at its best, with pieces by nationally-recognized guest artists and faculty members. The goal of this concert has been to envision where JMU Dance can go, while honoring the work and community that helped us arrive at this moment. You will see five choreographic works showcase the wide range of talents our students possess, and I hope that you will be inspired by the artistry and professionalism demonstrated by the dancers throughout this challenging and demanding concert.
Guest Choreographers:
Ricky Ruiz
Xiang Xu
JMU Faculty Choreographers:
Ryan Corriston
Shane O’Hara
Matt Pardo
WHEN: Saturday - April 23, 2022
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Dogtown Dance Theatre 109 W.15th St, Richmond VA 23224
TICKETS: $20 General Admission, $15 Students


Born in Rice
Choreographer: Xiang Xu
Thursday 15 August 2019 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm
Cambodian National Arts Center
SHOW ALERT // J CHEN PROJECT presents We Belong Here: AAPI Dance Festival
Co-produced by Midheaven Network hosted as a hybrid experience at Arts On Site, nestled in Manhattan’s iconic St. Mark’s Place.
Program A
August 20 at 6:30p and 8:30p
August 21 at 7:30p
Xiang Xu
Jesse Obremski
Mary-Angela Granberry
J CHEN PROJECT

Vessels Bearing
Choreographer: Xiang Xu
Murch 9-10 2019, at 7.30 pm
Joffrey Academy of Dance

Cultural Kaleidoscope Festival
Pangaea Dance Series C
Safe Room
Choreographed by Xiang Xu, Heidi Yu
Address: Hudson Guild Theater
441 W 26th St, New York NY 10001
Date: Saturday, June 9th, 8 PM Thursday, June 14th, 7 PM

"Fast Forward" Dance Series
Oneness
Choreographed by Xiang Xu, Heidi Yu
Theater: Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street, NY 10002
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 7:30 PM

