Tang Shiyi puts ancient poetry in motion

"I stopped dancing for a whole year, and I was worried about my future," says Tang.

"I have portrayed many roles onstage but none of them is me. I did not want to live my life in vain. I wanted to convey my ideas through dancing."

Speaking about her show, she says that as the three poems come from different times of the Tang Dynasty and revolve around different themes－such as the tragic romance between Emperor Li Longji and his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan, and the relationship between nature and humans－they offer her a chance to use dance to express her artistic imagination.

For the show, Tang invited director Tong Ruirui, composer Guo Sida, a live band featuring flutist Ding Xiaokui, guitarist Shan Zi, cellist Zhang Ping and guzheng (zither) player Ding Xue'r, as well as four dancers, to join in.

Speaking about his role, Tong, who has been working with Tang since she was 16, says: "When she told me about her idea of combining Tang poetry with dancing, I was very interested.

"I have choreographed many works for her and we are like teacher and student. But now she is more like my friend and she inspires me with her understanding of traditional Chinese dance."

Tong also says that though the image of the Tang Dynasty is often associated with grand and luxurious scenes, for the dance piece, the stage set, costumes and music will be simple, contemporary and abstract.

For instance, the composer Guo uses percussion to address the tempo and the set designer Liu Kedong uses bamboo poles onstage to portray the layers of space.

Tang started learning traditional Chinese dance at age 6 before receiving scholarships to study at the affiliated middle school of Beijing Dance Academy. "I have spent most of my life in the rehearsal room and yet I feel I do not know enough about traditional Chinese dance, which contains so much history, culture and Chinese philosophy.

"I want to expand traditional Chinese dance to a new dimension and this piece is my first attempt. The process is very challenging as well as compelling."

If you go

7:30 pm, Dec 31 and Jan 1. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. No 9, Tianqiao Nandajie (south street), Xicheng district, Beijing. 400-635-3355.