Classical dancer challenges contemporary performance

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The contemporary dance work "Every Moment" is currently being staged in Beijing. The piece, led by Hua Xiaoyi, explores the identities of women.

Three choreographers are involved with the project, including well-known British dancer, Akram Khan. The production has gathered together top talent from around the world, including the UK, the Netherlands and South Korea.

A still from "Every Moment". /Photo courtesy of show's PR company

This is 25-year-old Hua Xiaoyi’s first contemporary dance work.

She has been practicing classical dance for 14 years, and has been honored twice for her skills on the stage. In her past works, she has portrayed a variety of roles.

But with this work, she wants to be herself.

“I think this is a breakthrough. I'm attempting to express myself through another language," she explained.

"The most difficult part is psychological, since I've practiced classical dance before. It's such a different dance language. This time, I want to give up the familiar things and accept a fresh challenge. This work expresses the theme of choice; we face choices in every moment through our life, it's precious.”

A still from "Every Moment". /Photo courtesy of show's PR company

A year ago, Hua initiated the "Every Moment" idea, which was supported by Xu Rui, vice president of the Beijing Dance Academy.

Hua remembered how she was inspired by British dancer Akram Khan's abilities when she saw his show in New York in 2013.

With Xu's help, Hua got in contact with Khan and invited him to choreograph in her show.

Working on a scene from "Every Moment". /Photo courtesy of show's PR company

Xu, who shaped and helped finish the whole production, recalled time with the team.

"Real meaning of this international team is inter-cultural cooperation. We have different culture backgrounds and we have different understanding. We encouraged and inspired by each other," Xu Rui said

Consisting of four sections, the whole production was choreographed by Khan and Chinese artists Lou Menghan and Gao Chengming.

Menghan, who choreographed the third section, explained what he was trying to express.

"My piece is roughly translated into dancing on my own. But you don’t need to get the meaning only by the words. What I want to say is when we are alone as a dancer...and this reflects to Xiaoyi, now with her, another step of her career. Always try something and challenge herself. I use different element, express in different moves."

The show will move to Shanghai on Nov. 21 and 22.