![XShanghai Beauty premiered in Berlin in 2005 [SHINE]](https://i0.wp.com/usachinatrading.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/XShanghai-Beauty-premiered-in-Berlin-in-2005-SHINE.jpg?resize=525%2C296&ssl=1)
Jin Xing Dance Theater is bringing its original contemporary work “Shanghai Beauty” to Shanghai Oriental Art Center.
The dance is the opening show of the art center’s 2020-2021 performance season. “Shanghai Beauty,” which first premiered in Berlin in 2005, was jointly created by the dance theater’s founder Jin Xing and Berlin-based dance troupe Tanzcompagnie Rubato. The work has been described as a “clash of Chinese and Western countries’ varied appreciation of beauty.” Jin revealed the dance was inspired by French philosopher and sinologist Francois Jullien’s esthetic ideology.
It doesn’t have a story plot, but it consists of scenes that showcase Jin’s impression of Chinese people’s change in the appreciation of beauty since the 1950s. It also serves to highlight the West’s understanding of Chinese esthetics. Western people’s infatuation with the human body is showcased by the show’s powerful male dancers, while the graceful gestures from the female dancers represent an implicit oriental beauty. Costumes and colors play important roles in the production and Jin hopes the varied body movement rhythms can inspire audiences to think about the different artistic expressions in alternative cultures.
Chinese transgender dancer Jin Xing established the dance theater in Shanghai in 1999. It was the country’s first private dance troupe. “Watching contemporary dance is a great way to expand your imagination,” said Jin. “I hope audiences can feel free in mind when watching our performance, and simply enjoy the sensory experience.”
Performance info
Date: September 4, 7:15pm; September 5, 2pm
Tickets: 180-880 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
Address: 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong New Area
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