XIANG XU DANCE
The American Dance Guild Performance Festival
XY
World Premiere
Choreographer: Xiang Xu,
Associate Choreographer: Heidi Yu (Hyung Ji Yu)
Performers: Jonathan Colafrancesco, Gabrielle DiNizo
Length: 1 hour
Address: Aaron Davis Hall (115 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10027)
Date: 7:00PM, Thursday and Friday, November 16,17, 2023
XY represents a visionary quest led by contemporary choreographer and professor, Xiang Xu, to craft an entirely new dance idiom through the fusion of Asian philosophies and body aesthetics within the framework of Western contemporary dance. This choreographic endeavor delves deeply into the philosophical realm of human self-awareness, inviting the audience to embark on a journey of introspection and explore the multifaceted nature of our existence, where duality is a key motif.
Moreover, XY aspires to forge a fresh aesthetic equilibrium that harmonizes elements from both Eastern and Western dance traditions. It ventures into the uncharted terrain of gender dynamics, weaving together diverse cultural influences to illuminate the inner worlds of both men and women. This multicultural dance composition endeavors to uncover the intrinsic language of the body as it relates to social relationships and the intricate interplay of these intangible movements in the context of society.
At the heart of this choreographic exploration lies a profound contemplation of humanity itself. Throughout the performance, the audience will be guided through a landscape of discovery and reflection, continuously challenging their perceptions of the symbiotic relationship between dance and the human experience. XY seeks to transcend the boundaries of art as mere emotional expression or physical activity; instead, it aspires to catalyze a transformative journey from complacency toward profound self-awareness.
In essence, XY emerges as a testament to the power of art not only to captivate and evoke emotion but also to serve as a catalyst for introspection and personal growth. It stands as a visionary work that invites the audience to engage deeply with the complexities of the human condition, offering a profound and thought-provoking experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional dance.
Proudly Sponsored by Aaron Davis Hall, the Vice Provost Arts Grant from Temple University and Honey Academy
"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
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