This past week, on December 4th, a small group of 5 performers from Jasmine performed at a Culture Night at Nieman Elementary, displaying a short but impactful performance using fans. Although there were many ethnic dance groups to choose from, Nieman Elementary chose Jasmine, which shows how renowned Jasmine is in the KC Metro area. Each dance used a different type of fan, highlighting the versatility of Chinese dance. The first dance was performed by Evelyn and was called Auspicious Spring Rain, a dance performed using a round fan.
This dance emphasizes spring rain falling upon a peaceful village, hence the name Auspicious Spring Rain. Spring breeze moves gracefully, just like the movements from this dance. The dress also features characteristics of nature, blending with the theme of fresh Spring rain.
The next performance was Jiu-Er, by Daphne and Alice. This song for this dance is based on a story that happened in Northern regions of China during the anti-Japanese war, and is a farewell performance of Jiu-Er. Jiu-Er gave up her life in the fight against Japanese aggression by joining the army.
This dance features long pink silk fans that contrast sharply with the yellow and blue costume. The long fans add a sense of fluidity to the dance and make the movements very graceful and powerful. It is a very emotional dance, which is reflected in the music and movements itself.
Lastly was the dance Intoxicated in the Spring Breeze performed by Kris and Tina. The dance is about scenes in which young girls anticipate spring, spring-outing, and being intoxicated amidst the Spring breeze. The performance has a playful sense that matches the music well.
This dance uses bright orange fans to create various lively images describing different moods throughout the Spring. These fans are transformed into butterfly-like wings, or imitating flowers blooming in the spring throughout the dance. The dancers use this uniquely shaped fan to create imagery of dancing in the gentle spring breeze with nature all around. The dance depicts elegance of the young girls, along with emotions such as shyness and joy.
The event was a great success and was a lovely opportunity for Jasmine performers to be able to share Chinese culture with people and the use of fans throughout Chinese Dance. The audience appreciated the performance very much and were definitely engaged with the performance.
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Photo Credits:
Yun J
美何
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