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
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