The 2025 CMG Lantern Festival Gala captivated audiences with a groundbreaking performance of the \"Kylin\" dance, blending ancient Chinese literary traditions with modern choreography. Dancers adorned in white jade and antique bronze gold costumes reimagined the \"noble childe demeanor\" from The Book of Songs, China’s oldest poetry collection dating to 1,100 BCE.
Reviving Cultural Legacy
Choreographers drew direct inspiration from verses describing aristocratic youth in Zhou Dynasty society, translating poetic imagery into fluid movements. The performance’s orchestral arrangement fused traditional instruments like the guqin zither with digital soundscapes, creating a bridge between historical depth and contemporary artistic expression.
The Essence of \"Noble Childe Demeanor\"
Creative director Ming Zhao explained: \"We sought to embody the Confucian ideal of junzi – cultivated individuals harmonizing intellect and grace. The dancers’ spatial patterns reflect the balance between structure and spontaneity found in classical poetry.\"
Digital Age Meets Tradition
Real-time motion capture projections transformed the stage into an animated ink-wash painting, with each dancer’s movement triggering brushstroke effects. The production team utilized AI-assisted costume design tools to optimize historical accuracy while ensuring mobility for complex choreography.
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CMG Lantern Festival Gala: 'Kylin' dance depicts comportment of young noblemen
cgtn.com
