SCOTLAND’S links with Asia are being strengthened through a unique dance project.
Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT) is reconnecting with fans in China through a collaboration with a Beijing dance company in a short film exploring humans’ relationship with nature and the environment.
It is the first time internationally acclaimed choreographer Yabin Wang, an associate artist of Shanghai International Dance Center Theatre, has collaborated with a dance company in Scotland.
In the film, which is now available digitally to global audiences on the SDT website and YouTube, the dancers interact with natural and urban environments, building bridges across dance disciplines and the landscapes of Dundee and Beijing, Scotland and China.
In order to make dance more accessible, an audio described version of Hé has been made which will be available in English and in Mandarin for blind and visually impaired audiences.
As well as a fresh approach to international cultural exchange, the work is a result of SDT’s commitment to develop more environmentally friendly ways of sharing work with global audiences. The company says the film is a prototype for future collaborations aiming to reach both local and international audiences digitally and through partnerships with arts organisations around the world.
“It’s been a real privilege to collaborate with Yabin Wang and Shanghai International Dance Center Theater in this project,” said Joan Cleville, SDT’s artistic director.
“For me, the essence of international cultural exchange is learning more about each other, especially during these challenging times of the pandemic.
“It has also been a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with our followers and China and to explore new, more environmentally sustainable ways of collaborating across borders.”
He said the special digital project would to strengthen SDT’s existing links with Asia, where the company has performed regularly since its first visit in 2009.
In addition to the new film, Scottish Dance Theatre’s work The Life and Times, will be featured as part of this year’s Tokyo Festival online programme between October 15 and 28.
One of the major events in the cultural life of Japan’s capital city, the 2021 edition of Tokyo Festival will feature digital and live performances by internationally acclaimed companies and artists.Premiered last June, The Life and Times was conceived and directed by Clevillé as a cinematic and surreal dance journey filmed in one continuous shot on the stage of Dundee Rep.
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