Chinese dancer Yang Liping's latest work premieres in Shanghai

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The latest production of China's iconic choreographer and dancer Yang Liping, "Rite of Spring" has made its world premiere at the Shanghai International Art Festival. The modern dance interpretation of Russian composer Igor Stravinsky's ballet has been praised by audiences and critics.

It's a new take on the western classic through eastern philosophy, wisdom, and aesthetics.

Yang Liping's "Rite of Spring" intends to create an abstract universe where space, time and life coexist in the transient sense of a cycle. It features a woman who sacrifices, awakes and is reborn, a priest who is regarded as an oppressor, a lion symbolizing authority and inviolable rules, and a peacock which is a metaphor for hope and nirvana.

China's iconic choreographer and dancer Yang Liping's "Rite of Spring" has made its world premiere at the Shanghai International Art Festival. /VCG Photo

"Many versions of 'Rite of Spring' have been made around the world. I thought it was too difficult at the beginning. Few dancers could manage it. But the rituals observed in Russia have something in common with those in Yunnan, my hometown. They are based upon human beings' understanding of and respect toward heaven, earth, and life. So there are some feelings I can identify with," said Yang.

Just two months before the premiere, Yang broke her leg in an accident when directing the dance. But she couldn't wait for a complete recovery. On crutches, she stayed with the dancers, teaching and even demonstrating the moves.

"My leg was seriously hurt. The floor was slippery. Besides, my age and the not-so-hard bones made it worse," Yang added.

"However, it led me to better understand the fragility of life. Your body falls down when you have to. But your spirit could resist. I hope to pass this belief to the younger generations. It's a chance to strengthen our hearts and enlighten our souls," she said.

Yang is Bai people and grew up in the mountains in Yunnan Province. She received little professional training as a dancer. She drew most of her inspiration from nature, learning the spirit of the water, the mountains as well as the plants and the animals nurtured by her homeland.

A still from "Rite of Spring." /VCG Photo

Later her dancing was spotted, and she was given an affectionate nickname "Peacock Princess." It stems from her most famous work - the Spirit of the Peacock, inspired by Bai folk dancing.

For "Rite of Spring," Yang infused it with a range of Tibetan cultural elements, including traditional music, costumes, and beliefs.

A still from "Rite of Spring." /VCG Photo

Yang said that when the audience enters, they can see the dancers sitting in meditation. Introspective, their eyes are closed. Yet they look as though they are wide open because the second pair of eyes is painted on.

"Through this, we wish to express the idea that sometimes one can penetrate deeper with eyes shut. I always asked our young dancers to feel with their hearts and put their minds into dancing. I told them dancing is not only the moving of bodies but the exercise on spirit and cultivation of souls," she added.

Yang has assembled an array of experiences and crew from China, Holland, Australia, Italy, and Britain - including Chinese art director and winner of the 2000 Oscar for Best Art Direction and Costume Design, Timmy Yip.

Her edition of "Rite of Spring" will also be staged next August as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.