The performance of the BeijingDance / LDTX will take place at the Latvian National Opera on September 11, 2012.

The birth of BeijingDance / LDTX (Lei Dong Tian Xia , literally translated as Thunder Rumbles Under Heaven) in September of 2005 not only caught widespread international attention, but also captured the imagination of many artists in China. BeijingDance / LDTX was born out of a controversial and exciting time of rapid cultural change in China, becoming China’s first professional dance company founded independently from government.

Founded by veteran choreographers and a new generation of dancers in China, BeijingDance / LDTX is a platform for contemporary creations. Under the artistic direction of Willy Tsao, China’s foremost figure in modern dance, and deputy artistic director Li Hanzhong, the company boasts an ensemble technically exquisite dancers and a diverse repertoire. Since its creation in 2005, BeijingDance / LDTX has travelled extensively throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, Europe and North America. BeijingDance / LDTX hosts the annual Beijing Dance Festival, which brings the world’s most innovative work to the nation’s capital. Through performance seasons, educational programs, technique classes, and outreach activities, BeijingDance / LDTX attracts aspiring dancers and artists to contemporary dance and serves as an important voice in the evolution of modern Chinese thought and society.

Programme

All River Red (Rite of Spring)

Choreographer: Li Hanzhong and Ma Bo
Costume Design: Li Hanzhong and Ma Bo
Lighting Design: Godzilla Tan
Music: Stravinsky, “The Rite of Spring” Performed by Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Igor Markevich (recorded in 1959)

Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring premiered in 1913, signifying the dawn of a new era in music. This music has inspired many western choreographers, and now, BeijingDance/ LDTX’s Chinese choreographers offer their unique version, All River Red. The work reflects how contemporary dance has been developing in 20th century in China against all odds. All River Red shows not so much a comfortable fusion of East-meets-West, but a direct and violent confrontation between those adhering to tradition and those aspiring to innovation.

Standing before Darkness

Choreographer: Sang Jijia
Music: Dickson Dee
Lighting Design: Godzilla Tan

Standing before Darknessis a performance by Tibetan Choreographer, Sang Jijia. Presented by 13 dancers, the work explores people’s intricate relationship with society. The dance is accompanied by electronic live music by Hong Kong Musician, Dickson Lee.