This article captures the essence of Tai Chi. This past weekend the Cloud Gate Theatre of Taiwan performed a stunning show at the Kennedy Center. The martial art form of Tai Chi was founded by a man named Lin Hwai-min. In his mid-20's he at the time was a writer studying at the University of Iowa. He took a dance class and quickly became intrigued by physical expression. He found silent movement more powerful than spoken or written words. He created a dance group within a year in his native home of Taipei. The group was actually established in 1972 and calls themselves the oldest contemporary dance company in the Chinese society.
The company performed the piece "Moon Water," and it was so enticing it made many reconsider what they thought of dance. This was an interesting show, due to the fact that the stage was soaked with water and Tai Chi movement was put to music composed by Bach and the stage was lite by moonlight. These contrasting elements made the performance unique and fascinating. The piece starts with a solo done by Tsai Ming-yuan, where he journeys across the stage doing various Tai Chi postures. The dancer displays a great deal of flexibility, energy, and intensity. His movement brought the audience into the world of meditation and "the mysteries underlying the ancient practice of tai chi, where movement and consciousness entwine, and where serenity is a unique form of power." Although the movement, dancers, and set design were captivating the music was not fitting. "Lin chose excerpts from a recording of "Six Suites for Solo Cello" performed by Mischa Maisky, sarabandes, preludes and allemandes." The music was very heavy and dark, and the entire piece was fighting against serious tone of the music.
Kaufman, Sarah. "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan at the Kennedy Center." Rev. of Cloud Gate Theatre of Taiwan. The Washington Post 1 Feb. 2010. The Washington Company. Web. 2 Feb. 2010.
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