top of page

 The American Dance Guild Performance Festival
                           

Screenshot 2024-02-19 at 9.56.31 PM.png
Screenshot 2024-02-19 at 9.57.29 PM.png
Screenshot 2024-02-19 at 9.56.55 PM.png
Screenshot 2024-01-26 at 5.20.36 PM.png
Screenshot 2024-02-19 at 9.57.52 PM.png

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.jpeg
,,,,.jpeg

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.

sxcsxccv.jpeg
Unknownxxxszds.jpeg
scs.jpeg

Proudly Sponsored by Aaron Davis Hall, the Vice Provost Arts Grant from Temple University and Honey Academy 

Screenshot 2023-08-19 at 7.03.22 AM.png
honeyLogo-noBG.png.webp
CCCA logo_translucent.png
Screenshot 2023-08-06 at 11.37.22 AM.png
IMG_2937.WEBP

"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.

IMG_2982_edited.jpg
IMG_2997.WEBP
IMG_2970.WEBP
IMG_3003.WEBP

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.

IMG_3006.WEBP
IMG_3008 2.WEBP

NuWa (女媧)

2023 Bessies Nominee, Outstanding Choreographer /Creator 

NüWa+(女媧)-front.jpg
IMG_3180.JPG

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. 

IMG_3181.JPG

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.

298241888_426515976172223_3343269574698863956_n.jpg

Spring Concert 2022 Presented by  Department of Dance Towson University  

279895328_10221664872790698_9146455266049180185_n.jpg

“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

279036165_10107984965447188_4537868127955319866_n.jpg

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

IMG_6142.JPG
Xian-08466 copy.jpg

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

unnamed-1.jpg

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

 

DSC01308_edited_edited.jpg

"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

                                 

                              

Poster.jpg

LGBTQ Voices
Site-Specific Dance
Choreographed, Performed by Xiang Xu
Address:  Queens Center Mall, 2FL Starbucks (90-15 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11373)
Date: Monday, May 14th, 5:30 PM ​Tickets: FREE (No RSVP Required)

bottom of page