林肯中心 silk road performance

Photo credit: Arthur Eisenberg

What a way to celebrate the Chinese New Year! From the China Gansu Dance Theatre comes the astonishing New York premiere of a milestone masterpiece of Chinese dance theater: SILK ROAD. We had the chance to experience this stunning theater production and this is a perfect example of the specific way that Chinese artists can turn their great culture into kitsch. 

Performed at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center from February 27 – March 3, 2013, this spectacular production features 60 dancers, along with astounding athleticism, artistry and ision. This stunning production is inspired by the magnificent Dunhuang frescoes and follows master painter Zhang, his daughter Yingniang, and Persian merchant Yunus as they travel along the Silk Road.

With visually stunning sets, ornate and elaborate costumes, beautiful and unique dance styles, SILK ROAD introduces you to a tale of great friendship forged during the Tang Dynasty between China and the people of various countries along the Silk Road.

Since its premiere in 1979, and having toured more than 200 cities of 20 countries and regions, this unforgettable production has been performed more than 2,160 times for audiences of more than 4,000,000.

The choreography for the soloists mixes in unexceptional acrobatics and a few ballet tricks. Song Yulong makes exciting whip-around jumps and the pretty Chen Chen shows how she can balance by standing on one leg and extend the other past an ear.

We definitely enjoyed the performance and highly recommend you experience this strictly limited engagement… and travel along the Silk Road to a world of wonder, enchantment and extraordinary dance.