Although contemporary dance has not had a long and strong history in Asia, Taiwanese choreographer Lin Hwai-min's 1973 founding of the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre--a company drawing inspiration from Western choreography, Asian ethnic dances, and the meditative movements of tai chi--has proved to be an exception. Bamboo groves, the home of nymphs and gods in Chinese folklore, provide the setting for Bamboo Dream, in which dancers move through seven scenes set mostly to the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt: “Morning Mist,” “Spring Breeze,” “Summer Heat,” “Autumn Path,” “When Rain Stops,” “At Midnight,” and “Snow.” The influence of Martha Graham can be seen here, with the costumes an integral part of the fluid yet controlled movements of this highly disciplined troop of dancers, who--except for some weirdness with electric fans and brooms in the final movement--offer up an exquisite and moving interpretation of the various themes. Top talent supports it all: along with the stunning bamboo flute solos by Huang Sheng-kai, the musical accompaniment includes cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic, Gidon Kremer on violin and Keith Jarrett on piano, the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra under Saulus Sondeckis, and the Staatsorchester Stuttgart under Dennis Russel Davies. A 25-minute selection of DVD extras includes background information on the title, the company, the music, and the filming of the ballet. An essential purchase for dance collections, this is also highly recommended for others. [Note: Moon Water, featuring the Cloud Dance Theatre, is also newly available at the same price.] Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)
Bamboo Dream
(2002) 63 min. DVD: $29.99. Naxos of America (877-629-6723; <a href="http://www.naxos.com/">www.naxos.com</a>). Color cover. April 5, 2004
Bamboo Dream
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