Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

Review by Joel Benjamin for TheatreScene.net

2008-06-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

TheatreScene.net

The NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY offers six works combining an Asian sensibility with western modern dance styles danced by eight terrific, talented performers.

NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY
at the Ailey Citigroup Theater

by

Joel Benjamin

Nai-Ni Chen, a Taiwan native, brought her attractive company to the Ailey Citigroup Theater for two performances on May 23rd & 24th (at 8 p.m.). She showed six works all inspired by events, sites and legends of her native China.

"Raindrops" for four women dressed in pale, long, tunics over brighter-colored pants, was an homage to her hometown, Keelong, known as Rain Harbor. To the sounds of bells and bongs the four dancers--Julie Fiorenza, Chu-Ying Ku, Teri Miller & Lindsay Parker--rose out of a group pose into little worlds of their own in different sections of the stage. They came together in pairs and threes, skittering and lunging and finally, carrying lovely parasols, playfully interacted in elegant, picturesque ways. They ended in a tight group, posing quietly. "Raindrops" had an almost picture postcard feel, tempered by the light sensuality of the free-flowing modern dance steps.

"Incense," danced by Ms. Firorenza, Ms. Miller and two men, Noibis Licea & Qiao Zeng, has meant to recall the lightness of a rising incense haze, but came ac=oss as much heavier in tone. The dancers, all in white, the men barechested, kept grouping and regrouping, swooping about the stage using un=ulating gestures and some light lifts. Sometimes three dancers danced against a faster moving soloist and sometimes they formed two couples but most often they danced alone, coming together in a sculptural pole in which three dancers crouched together while one hovered above them, raised arms lightly moving as in a benediction. The incense imagery simply didn't come across, not helped by a score by Joan La Barbara which featured humming over harsher, machinelike sounds.

"On the River of Dreams" showed the closest thing to an emotional relationship in the entire program. To a boinging score of percussion and strings by Forr=st Fang, Lindsey Parker and Ziao Zeng portrayed a ferryman and his fare who= according to the Ms. Chen's program note, was the "spirit of the water."&n=sp; Mr. Zeng, barechested, in loose black pants, hoisted a long bamboo pole pulling Ms. Parker, in rose & gray along with him. (Costumes by Karen Young.) Using swift, flatfooted steps, they travelled about the stage, often entwining. The ferryman's pole was used to lift his passenger and became, in turn, a bridge over the water, his oar and a symbol of high connection to his spirit. She leapt at him and hung off the pole, movements interrupted by more peaceful periods of movements
tranversing the stage. Ms. Chin created a lovely picture here with just the hint of sexuality.

"The Way of Five, No. 2 - Fire" was a part of a longer work dealing with the five elements of Chinese mythology: wood, fire, water, metal and earth. Dressed in tights. Chen's bright red costumes and moving to a score of cello against drums by Tan Dun), the five dancers followed the pattern set by earlier work and kept coming together and then apart, with the lone man, Mr. Licea, lifting some of the women. The movements had a slightly sharper quality and the ending in which all fall into slides on their stomachs along a good portion of the playing was exciting.

"The Way of Fire, No. 3 - Water" opened the second half of the program. The six dancers wore lovely, translucent white robes designed by Anna-Alisa Belou and danced to a multi-dimensional and subtle percussion score commissioned from Gerald Chenoweth. The featured movement motif here was softly treading whirling, perhaps to indicate the water theme. Again, the dancers worked in groups against each other and combined undulating upper body movements with curlicue arm gestures and, again, the work ended in a sculptural pose with one lovely dancer on top gesturing out to the audience.

The final work was, by far, the most interesting movement-wise. "Unfolding" was ori=inally performed out of doors at Wave Hill in the Bronx and this expansiveness showed even on the smallish stage of the Ailey Center. The three men (now including Wei Yao), barechested and in dark pants were discovered curled up on the stage as the four women in layered, diagonally patterned costumes in red, gold and blue entered and variously touched and rearranged them. The men variously carried and lifted the women and moved amongst them creating many combinations of partners. This was the first work to have large jumps and some movements that resembled martial arts jabs and falls. The music by Harry Lee featured voices humming and shouting above percussive sounds and it created a lively environment in which the dancers related combatively in almost a battle of the se=es in which both sexes pretty much moved the same way. "Unfolding" built to a solid climax of jumps.

NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY has eight terrific dancers who are completely immersed in Ms. Chen's style of movement which combines a kind of Martha Graham-lite with Asian gestures and philosophy. They are all beautiful to look at and very much involved in whatever they are asked to do.

However, Ms. Chen needs to introduce some humor into her work. The works were almost too beautiful, lacking any deep emotion and sexuality. Mind you, the ballets weren't dreary or even too dark, just too meditative with say too many slow motion movements, as if the dancers were moving through water. The moods of these six works were made to seem different through the brilliant lighting Susan Summers and A.C. Hickox. Ms. Chen's over-achieving program notes didn't help, either. She clearly wanted u= to understand what inspired her to choreograph each piece, but fewer words and clearer choreography would paint the pictures better. Each of the program notes could have been reduced to ten words and have a stronger effort, letting the audience decide what each work meant.

In the end, the NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY displayed an original artist=c vision, fine performances by eight beautifully trained dancers, great cos=umes and lighting and a yearning for depth not quite found. The works were never uninteresting to the eye, but more variation would have spiced up the show.

NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY
Nai-Ni Chen, Artistic Director and Choreographer
Dancers: Selena Chau, Julie Fiorenza, Chu-Ying Ku, Noibis Licea, Teri Miller, Lindsey Parker, Wei Yao & Qiao Zeng

at the Ailey Citigroup Theater
405 West 55th St.
New York, NY 10019

NY Season Release in Chinese

2008-05-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

陳乃霓舞團
週五，六 (五月廿三日及廿四)
于艾力劇場公演
水火

本週五，六 (五月廿三日及廿四) ，華裔現代舞蹈家陳乃霓將率領她的精華
舞者于 405 W 55 ST ( 9th Ave) 艾力劇場 (Ailey Citigroup Theater) 演出她
的最新作品(五行之二) 水，(五行之一) 火，以及她近年發展的數支代表性的作
品。

陳乃霓舞蹈團是紐約哈林區著名哈林藝術學校的駐校藝術團體。她個人在新州潛心
發展以天地的自然為師的舞蹈語言，並在主流社區中發揚中華文化的真精神。以她
在文化大學中所受到的中國古典文化的熏陶，加上她從美國各現代舞蹈宗師的課堂
作品中，領悟到的兼容並包、寬大自由的情懷，自創一派。她的風格獨特，與一般
時下的前衛風格完全不同。在紐約舞蹈節中演出時，紐約時報主要舞評珍妮佛‧鄧
寧曾說：[ 陳乃霓慧眼獨具，妙法自然，她的編舞手法極具自信，如海中的暗濤洶
湧，使舞蹈進入一個個新的高潮 ]。由於她的努力不懈，她的舞蹈團已發展為美國
舞蹈界中極少見的純表演性質的職業舞蹈團。她的藝術成就，並得美國國家藝術基
金會的認同，年年的巡迴演出，在美國各大劇院佳評如潮。在歐洲及亞洲也到極高
的評價。去年，她得到美國總統藝術協會的獎金，巡迴墨西哥七大城。

最近，星條報(Star Ledger) 專業舞評強森(Robert Johnson) 指出她的舞蹈[
優雅具活力，充滿了無形的氣勢]，波士頓鳳凰報權威舞評希高(Marcia Siegel)
說 [ 她的舞蹈將中華文化的養料帶入了現代舞的世界]。

這次演出，除了她的最新作品(五行之二) 水以及(五行之一) 火之外，
陳乃霓將演出她的兩首得意作品-- 香及衍。香以希臘神壇雕塑為主題，由作
曲家瓊芭柏拉(Joan La Barbara) 作曲。衍是數年前，陳乃霓得到中大西洋藝術
基金會(Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation) 藝術獎金與韓國丈鼓(Chang-Go)名家李
伍碩聯手合作，發展以易經中天行健為題的越界現代舞(Cross-Cultural Contemporary
Dance)。

觀眾若想看陳乃霓舞蹈團的演出，請早訂票 ( 成人$30 / 學生$15 )，訂票電話(800)650-
0246 (留言)，網址: www.nainichen.org
劇院地址是 405 West 55 Street (9th Ave), New York, NY 10011. 門口售
票。

2008-05-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

Combat and rain
Nai-Ni Chen at John Hancock Hall
By MARCIA B. SIEGEL
The Phoenix
May 13, 2008 11:58:40 AM

Taiwanese choreographer Nai-Ni Chen danced with Cloud Gate Dance Theater before moving to New York in 1982, and her work, like theirs, is a suave amalgam of traditional Chinese elements and modern dance. Chen’s company of 10 dancers appeared Saturday night at John Hancock Hall, sponsored by the Foundation for Chinese Performing Arts. The program demonstrated how the traditions can nourish contemporary dance, with practical tools like movement and symbolic objects as well as philosophical and literary themes.

Chen’s movement style was showcased in the opening piece, Raindrops, for four women. Wearing pastel silk halter-top jumpsuits with flying panels of silk front and back, the women clustered together at first, revolving and lifting their arms with palms upraised. They skimmed across the floor in tiny sidesteps and tilted swirls, their torsos undulating in elegant zigzags and curves. With small sudden jumps or abrupt tumbles to the ground, they’d interrupt their swift trajectories, then recover.

The music, by three composers (Henry Wolff, Robert Rich, and Sainkho Namtchylak), changed from high, resonant bells to deep gamelan gongs to rhythmic drumming with Jew’s harp and electronics. After the meditative beginning, the women danced with rice-paper umbrellas, possibly celebrating the rain they’d been praying for. Then they returned to their quick running and jumping patterns for a lively celebration.

Following Chinese dance conventions, Chen’s men and women almost always dance separately, or at least in separate styles. But though the women looked decorative and moved in small spheres most of the time, they never looked cute or doll-like to me. In fact, with the incorporation of martial-arts skills, they could oppose the men in contests of attack and evasion — a duet or a duel with fans in The Way of Five — No. 2, an escalating group counterpoint of dominance, submission, and recuperation in Unfolding.

To show the classical roots of these encounters, Chen included a dance for an acrobatic warrior from China’s Kunqu opera, as adapted and performed by Yao-Zhong Zhang. A former actor with the Shanghai Kuan Opera troupe, Zhang stomped on his platform shoes, stroked the long feathers streaming out of his headdress, and twirled two spear-like batons while doing helicopter turns.

In Chinese opera, you overcome your opponent with athletic prowess and intimidate him by means of resplendent costumes, headgear, and make-up rather than brute force. Weapons evolved into fans, to deceive and surprise. Similarly, long sleeves attached to a robe could conceal and, when flung out around the character’s body, dazzle and distract. Nai-Ni Chen described gorgeous white halos and ripples around herself in Passage to the Silk River. But she wasn’t only manipulating the sleeves, she was dancing herself, in clever chaîné turns and flourishes that animated the silk.

Six women carried eight-foot-long rods in Bamboo Prayer, making the flexible props into extensions of their bodies. Held vertical as the dancers ran in circles, the sticks swayed like saplings. Thrust along the floor or placed in certain patterns, they could link the dancers, provide grids for stepping games, or perhaps even invoke magic spells.

Chen’s program notes told us about the legends and metaphysical images that underlay all these dances. Lindsey Parker represented the spirit of the river and Qiao Zeng the fisherman getting his sustenance from her spring floods. But watching the dance, I thought they could have been lovers or even lifelong companions on a fateful journey, as he poled an invisible boat and she hovered around him.

For the finale, Festival, the whole company joined in a procession of dancing, tumbling, flag dances and a calligraphic extravaganza of long silk scarves in bright colors, foaming and spurting above the stage.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company New York City Season 2008!

2008-05-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Book tickets now by calling 800-650-0246 or visit www.nainichen.org

Nai-Ni Chen Teaches Technique and Repertory Workshop at Peridance

2008-05-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Nai-Ni Chen will be conducting an intensive workshop at Peridance

June 9-13
11:30 am

Call Peridance at 212-505-0886
or visit Peridance

Peridance Center
International Dance School
890 Broadway
6th Floor
New York, NY

NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY SEEKS DANCERS FOR OUR 2008-09 SEASON

2008-05-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company is seeking full-time male and female dancers for
our 2008-09 season.
Strong dance technique and
performance background are required.

All ethnic backgrounds are welcome.

Appropriate attire required; leotard preferred.
Please bring current résumé and photo to the audition.

National touring and
educational programs year round

Work begins in July 2008
Call the Company to make an audition appointment at 800-650-0246

or email matthew@nainichen.org

Auditions
June 12 & 13, 2-6 pm

Callback
June 16, 12-4 pm

at
Harlem School of the Arts
645 St. Nicholas Ave. (between 141 & 145 Sts)
New York

Subways
A/B/C/D to 145 St

To find out more about the Company,
visit our website
www.nainichen.org

REMINDER!
Join us for our 2008

New York Season!
Ailey Citygroup Theater
May 23 & 24 at 8 pm

Call for tickets: 800-650-0246
or visit
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

Adult
$30
Student/Senior/Child
$15

Ailey Citigroup Theater
405 W. 55 St.
New York, NY

Review: Graceful and dynamic, Nai-Ni Chen troupe summons potent flow of Chinese energy

2008-04-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 21, 2008
BY ROBERT JOHNSON
Star-Ledger Staff

DANCE

Although she spends most of her time now sculpting movements that other people will perform, choreographer Nai-Ni Chen remains a wonderful dancer. Whenever she returns to the stage, in a solo like "Passage to the Silk River," Chen's grace and agility elevate performances by her Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company to a higher plane.

Chen danced "Passage to the Silk River" again, on Friday, probably so her company could recover between two athletic, full-throttle dances. Yet once again Chen's unassuming presence, draped in a white robe with long sleeves that descended below her hands, immediately brought the evening into sharper focus. The troupe, which is based in Fort Lee, appeared at the Theater of Raritan Valley Community College, in North Branch.

Curiously in this quiet, inward-looking solo the gushing images that the performer creates with the traditional "water sleeves" of her costume seem to emerge from her reverie. Despite the fleeting definition of sharply cut shapes, the dance has a restless quality and it can surprise -- for example, in a passage where Chen drops suddenly for a roll on the ground that exposes her feet. While "Passage to the Silk River" seems to hold opposing tendencies in balance, Chen's gentle expression lends the work poetry. She seems as spontaneous and free as a cloud passing overhead.

The group numbers on this satisfying program of (mostly) contemporary dance evinced a broad, dynamic range, from the delicacy of "Raindrops," where hands extended to catch the spattering rain or mimicked the torrent's course along the ground, to the impassioned duel between Selena Chau and Noibis Licea that comes at the center of "The Way of Five -- Fire." Yet in all these pieces, the transfer of energy seems to complete a cycle.

Rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, Chen's work has a holistic quality that relates to the guided flow of "chi" energy through the body and across the stage. In "Raindrops," the dancers relay a movement impulse across space without touching, as if exchanging an air kiss. In "Unfolding," the dancers' wrists connect as if to pass an electric current. The performers draw deep breaths and empty their lungs, yet their motion remains calm, effortless and sustained. This use of breath may remind some viewers of the way a swimmer turns his head to gulp a mouthful of air, without interrupting his body's efficient slice through the water.

Chen sometimes uses simple props, as well as bodies, to define the stage space. Qiao Zeng was a fisherman punting upstream in "The River of Dreams," where his pole became a line dividing up and downstage areas, back and front. The pole also connects Zeng to the river spirit (Lindsey Parker) who is his constant companion; and it supports their intermingling.

In contrast, the batons that guest artist Lu Wen-Long deployed in his solo "The Legend of the Double Spear Warrior," were for virtuosic effect, making this spectacularly costumed but slightly off-balance excerpt from Kunque Opera resemble a kind of halftime show.

With its masked folkloric characters and towering giantess, the concluding "Festival" offered more than just a reduced version of the beloved Chinese New Year celebration that is a highlight of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's dance season. Yet here, too, intensely hued ribbons dazzled as the dancers tossed the ribbons in vivid streams, and wrapped themselves in whorls of bright fabric.

Robert Johnson may be reached at rjohnson@starledger.com.

NEW YORK CITY SEASON 2008

2008-04-16T10:24:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK CITY SEASON
May 23 & 24, 2008
Limited Engagement - Book your seats now!

NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY
New York City Season 2008
at the
AILEY CITIGROUP THEATER
A diverse program of contemporary dance
celebrating the extraordinary work of
Nai-Ni Chen

"Three-dimensional poetry" - The Village Voice

Friday, May 23
Saturday, May 24
8 pm

Featuring
The Way of Five, No. 3 - Water
The Way of Five, No. 2 - Fire
(New York City premieres)
Raindrops
Incense
Unfolding
The River of Dreams

Artistic Director/Choreographer
Nai-Ni Chen

Dancers
Selena Chau, Julie Fiorenza,
Chu-Ying Ku, Noibis Licea, Teri Miller,
Lindsey Parker, Wei Yao, Qiao Zeng

THE AILEY STUDIOS
405 W. 55 Street
New York, NY

Tickets
$30 Adults
$15 Students/Seniors/Children

"Like endlessly proliferating forces of cosmic energy"
-The New York Times

To make reservations, call the Company at
(800) 650-0246
or visit
www.nainichen.org

Spring News!

2008-04-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Spring Newsletter

March 2008

The 2007-08 season is proving to be one of our busiest and most successful to date. With performances at home in New York and New Jersey and a busy touring schedule, as well as extensive dance-in-education involvement across the tri-state area, Nai-Ni and her talented dancers continue to be in high demand for performances, master classes, and workshops throughout the year.

"Chen... brings wide-ranging experience and sophistication."
-Robert Johnson
Star-Ledger

If you are a presenter, school or university interested in booking the Company or would like further information about our programs, please contact us at:

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
PO Box 1121
Fort Lee, NJ
07024

info@nainichen.org
www.nainichen.org

(800) 650-0246

The Year of the Rat Celebrating the
Chinese New Year!
The Company recently presented its tenth annual Chinese New Year celebration at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Victoria Theater in Newark.

During a week-long series of performances, the Company entertained both school and family audiences with a diverse program, from the traditional Lion and Triple Peacock dances to the premiere of Nai-Ni's latest contemporary work, The Way of Five, No. 3 - Water, with a commissioned score by Gerald Chenoweth performed live onstage by The Rutgers Percussion Ensemble live onstage.

"...a dynamic work that crackled and burned with passionate energy."

-Robert Johnson
Star-Ledger
(on The Way of Five, No. 2 - Fire)

Winter Tour

Continuing their winter engagements, Nai-Ni and the dancers recently traveled to cities in Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Jersey and New York, exposing new audiences to the Company's unique style.

A highlight of this tour was the performance at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, home of the prestigious Detroit Symphony Orchestra. From an audience of over 1,500 people, thedancers received a standing ovation for their program of works celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Moving into Spring, in addition to performances in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Texas, the Company performed on March 9 as part of the Dance New Jersey Show Up & Dance Showcase at the Two Rivers Theater, Red Bank, New Jersey.
A Leader in Dance Education!

Education remains a strong focus for the Company. Programs at Shuang Wen School in Manhattan's Chinatown, the Asian Studies program at Symphony Space, also in Manhattan, and Project Poetry Live! in partnership with Litchfield Performing Arts, Connecticut, continue to enhance the Company's strong reputation in the field of dance and cultural education.

Company dancer Noibis Licea is currently guest teaching at Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) in New York. His dynamic and challenging Afro-Cuban class is proving very popular among the Lower Manhattan dance community!

Visit DNA for class times and prices!

NNCDC Performs at Two Rivers Theater, Red Bank, NJ

2008-04-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

See Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company perform the exhilirating
Way of Five, No. 2 - Fire
at
Dance New Jersey's
Show Up & Dance event this Sunday, March 9!

Performance at 4 pm

Two River Theatre
21 Bridge Avenue
Red Bank, NJ

Dance New Jersey
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
PO Box 1121
Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
1-800-650-0246

www.nainichen.org
info@nainichen.org
Forward email

2008-01-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Presenting the cross-cultural works
of Nai-Ni Chen at the
American Performing Arts Presenters Conference 2008

"... dripping with powerful emotion, wet and raw with new life."
Tresca Weinstein, Times Union, Albany, NY

The Company will present a diverse and entertaining selection of Nai-Ni's choreography, from traditional Chinese dances to challenging and thought-provoking contemporary works. Demonstrating the versatility of the Company's repertory and the performance and residency options available, the program will include Festival, a traditionally inspired work based on dragon boat races in China; The Way of Five, No. 2, a contemporary work with martial arts influences; and an excerpt from the multimedia piece Tianji/ Dragons on the Wall. Please visit our representative, Joanne Rile Artists Management, during the conference, and we look forward to seeing you at one of the showcase performances listed below.

City Center Studios
130 West 56th Street
New York, NY

Saturday, January 12
8:00 pm
Studio 5

Sunday, January 13
10:00 am
Studio 4

8:00 pm
Studio 5

Residency and education programs available
Represented by Joanne Rile Artists Management
215-885-6400/ info@rilearts.com
Booth: Americas Hall 2, #708

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company performs this weekend!

2007-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

FINAL REMINDER!
PERFORMANCES AT
HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS THEATER
DECEMBER 8 & 9, 2007

Dragons on the Wall
Celebrating Ten Years in Residence at Harlem School of the Arts!

Featuring artistic director Nai-Ni Chen's signature piece, Dragons on the Wall/Tianji

Seats are limited - Buy Tickets Now!

Performances
Saturday, December 8, at 8pm
Sunday, December 9, at 3pm

Tickets

$15 Adult
$10 Child/Senior/Student

Harlem School of the Arts Theater
645 St. Nicholas Avenue (near 141st Street)
New York, NY

Subway: A, C, D to 145th Street

Visit Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
or call the Company at (800) 650-0246

Tianji/Dragons on the Wall was created in collaboration with composer Joan La Barbara and renowned Chinese poet Bei Dao. Originally commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts, NJPAC, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

NNCDC Returns to the Shuang Wen Dual Language Academy

2007-11-28T10:21:00.003-08:00

NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY

An Inspiring Leader in Arts Education

Continuing its outstanding and innovative involvement in arts education, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company is delivering another extensive after-school program at the Shuang Wen Dual Language Academy(PS 184M) in Chinatown, one of Manhattan’s most thriving and diverse neighborhoods. After her highly successful first year in residence at the school during 2006-07, which culminated in student and Company performances, Nai-Ni Chen has returned to share her unique approach to dance education through an expanded syllabus and an versatile and experienced team of teaching artists.

The Shuang Wen Dual Language Academy is the first facility of its kind on the East Coast, educating students in both English and Mandarin Chinese and incorporating the study of Chinese history, traditions, culture, and art. The school recognized Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company as an innovative arts provider with a strong history in educational programming for all ages and invited the Company to lead an after-school program of cultural and contemporary arts education.

During its first year in residence, the Company introduced students from the third to eighth grades to such traditions as the Lion, Ribbon, and Handkerchief dances, and to other related art forms, including Chinese music, martial arts, and Tai-Chi. This year, besides providing classes in traditional dance, the Company, under the guidance of Ms. Chen and in partnership with the school’s Chinese language teachers, will introduce modern dance, through a highly creative program that involves traditional and contemporary Chinese poetry. The Company also hopes to invite the participation of a Chinese artist with expertise in calligraphy, an ancient art form from which many artists, including Nai-Ni Chen herself, have drawn inspiration for their work.

With continued support from the Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP), and an enthusiastic response from the New York City Board of Education, the students at Shuang Wen are continuing to learn the importance of Chinese visual arts and how to apply their principles in creating movement for performance. Upon the completion of this three-year residency, the Company will leave to the students a strong legacy of discipline and commitment, an understanding of traditional Chinese dance and movement forms, an appreciation of contemporary artistic themes and ideas, and an understanding of their context in today’s Chinese society in New York City.

A NEW THEATER FOR DANCE AND A 10TH ANNIVERSARY

2007-11-08T09:28:00.001-08:00

NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY CELEBRATES ITS TENTH YEAR IN RESIDENCE AT HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS WITH PERFORMANCES IN THE SCHOOL'S NEWLY RENOVATED THEATER, DECEMBER 8&9

Saturday December 8 at 8 PM; Sunday December 9 at 3 PM
Harlem School of the Arts Theater, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue (at 141st Street)
Tickets: $15; $10 for students & seniors
Reservations: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/21772
By Phone: 1-800-650-0246

"This choreographic whirlpool never
stops churning." The New York Times

"Tianji radiates visceral intensity."
Star-Ledger

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company announces two happy events - The Company will celebrate its 10th Anniversary in residence at the Harlem School of the Arts and will also be the first Company to appear in the newly renovated Harlem School of the Arts Theater, a welcome new dance space. The December 8 & 9 performances will feature the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company in "Tianji - Dragons on the Wall, a major work created by Ms. Chen in collaboration with Nobel Prize Nominee in Literature Bei Dao and world renowned composer Joan La Barbara.

Ms. Chen took her inspiration from a work by Bei Dao, one of the best- known Chinese poets and leader of the Misty style of contemporary Chinese poetry. His work is characterized by its images of contrast and struggle, reflecting his experiences during the Cultural Revolution, and resonate with humanity's yearning for freedom around the world and throughout history.

Tianji
clanging tolls depart from the huge bell
chase a twinkling flock of birds
the Chi wanders in the world
gather, disperse but never gone
dynasties turn above the whirlpool
the bridge jumps to another language
until white paper falls
until the writing becomes possible
the bird's nest is empty
it is time to reveal TIANJI.

-Bei Dao

In Tianji - Dragons on the Wall, the collaborators (choreographer Nai-Ni Chen, poet Bei Dao, and musician Joan La Barbara) sought to convey the yearning for freedom that reflects their own journeys, their passages as artists, and their hopes for the future. The sound and stage design were inspired by the richly imaginative sounds and images in Bai Dao's poetry, and by discussions among the collaborators.

Why a reference to "dragons"? The dragon, a dominant symbol in Chinese culture, represents the power of nature and is often used to convey imperial dominance. Many myths and legends also connect the dragon with the human instinct to seek independence and freedom from oppression. In this work, the dragon is regarded as a symbol of freedom.

One legend in Chinese history centers around the painter Wu Dao-Tze of the Tang Dynasty. The famous artist once painted dragons on the wall for the emperor, but failed to draw in the eyes. When asked why, he replied that if the eyes were added, the dragons would fly away (implying that giving sight to the dragons is like giving freedom to the people). The emperor, however, ordered him to draw the eyes, and he complied. At night, thunder and rain fell upon the palace, its walls crumbled, and the painted dragons disappeared without a trace.

Dragons on the Wall was commissioned by the NJPAC World Festival, the NJPAC Arts Education Department, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The work was choreographed in the dance studios of the Harlem School of the Arts and supported by the school throughout the creative process. Additional support came from the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation's ArtsEmerge Program, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. The project was also supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company's next New York season will take place on
May 23-25 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

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Drawing on elements from the flowing lines of Chinese calligraphy to the thundering motion of the martial arts, Nai-Ni Chen is one of the very few established Asian-American choreographers who meld the dynamic freedom of American modern dance with the stoic discipline of the Chinese classical arts. This not-to-be-missed showcase includes new dances inspired by some of the most powerful ideas in Chinese philosophy combined with the freedom and energy of the western theatrical tradition. These works will bring a new level of appreciation for the globally connected,
cross-cultural contemporary arts to your audience and community.

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Isle of Dunes

Choreographer: Nai-Ni Chen

Dancers: Michele Chung, Teri Miller, Gabriel Hernan, Noibis Licea,
Matthew Westerby, Chieh-Yu Teng, Tai Zhang, Joshua Thrower.

Photo: Carol Rosegg

A Word From Our New President

2007-10-11T11:30:00.002-07:00

I am honored to serve as the new President of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. This season looks to be so exciting and productive that I can't wait to experience as much as I can! On behalf of the entire board of Trustees, I invite you to join us in actively supporting the Company's amazing work, as donors, as volunteers, and, of course, as audience members.
-Arlene Yang

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company performs at

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To celebrate its tenth anniversary in residence at the Harlem School of the Arts, the Company will present performances there from December 7 to 9, showcasing some of Nai-Ni Chen's signature works.

Harlem School of the Arts

Upcoming Performances

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The Company kicks off its Fall engagements with visits to three wonderful venues. At the State University of New York at Albany, two evening performances will display the diverse range of Nai-Ni's choreographic work, with one night of her traditional Chinese dances and another featuring a selection of her modern works. Nai-Ni will also lead her dancers in a lecture/demonstration and a master class for student dancers, to highlight her sources of inspiration and demonstrate her unique use of the aesthetics of Chinese classical movement combined with the discipline of modern dance.

The Company will also travel to Copiah-Lincoln College in Wesson, Mississipi, to take part in its Aficionado Series, and to Indiana State University's Bloomington campus for a residency program with workshops for dance students, a lecture/demonstration for the community, and an evening concert with live music, featuring Nai-Ni Chen's signature work Calligraphy II and showcasing some of her traditional works.

For tickets, please use the link for each venue listed below:

Copiah-Lincoln Community College
October 30, 2007
http://www.colin.edu

State University of New York at Albany
November 1-3, 2007
Performing Arts Center
http://www.albany.edu

Indiana University
November 12-16, 2007
University Auditorium, Bloomington Campus
http://www.indiana.edu

A Quote from Nai-Ni Chen

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Traditional Chinese dance, the training I had since I was four years old, involves the entire Chinese culture, not just its dance steps. The western modern dance I learned about is not just Martha Graham technique or José Limon technique; to me, modern dance is an entire way of thinking, of freedom, of expression. Besides learning the two different dance cultures, I tried to learn how people think and find ways to express the dynamic spirit of our changing world.
-Nai-Ni Chen

Save The Dates!

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December 7-9, 2007
Harlem School of the Arts Theater
Harlem School of the Arts
New York, NY

Click here to Buy Tickets!

February 9 and 10, 2008
Chinese New Year: The Year of the Rat
February 9: Matinée and evening performances; Traditional Chinese Banquet
February 10: Matinée performance
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark, NJ

Corporate sponsorship is available for this event.
Please contact us for further information!

For tickets call 1-888-GO-NJPAC (1-888-466-5622)

May 23-25, 2008
NEW YORK CITY SEASON
Alvin Ailey CitiGroup Theater
New York, NY

Tickets available soon!

Please visit Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company for full season listings.

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The Way of Five, No.2
Choreography: Nai-Ni Chen Photo: Carol Rosegg

The 2007-08 Season

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In 2008 the Company will undertake its New York and New Jersey season and complete its 2007-08 seventeen-city American tour. Traveling across the country and exposing new audiences to its unique blend of contemporary and classical Chinese dance, the Company continues to be one of the most prominent and successful Asian-American professional performing arts companies in the United States.

October 30
Copiah-Lincoln College
Wesson, MS
Copiah-Lincoln

November 1-3
University of New York at Albany, Performing Arts Center
Albany, NY
University of New York at Albany

November 12-16
Indiana University, University Auditorium
Bloomington, IN
Indiana University

December 7-9
The Harlem School of the Arts Theater
New York, NY
The Harlem School of the Arts

January 15, 16
York College, Performing Arts Center
Jamaica, NY
York College

January 24
Queens College, Colden Center for the Perfoming Arts
Flushing, NY
Queens College

February 1
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
Long Island City, NY
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

February 9, 10
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark, NJ
NJPAC

February 13
American Theatre
Hampton, VA
The American Theatre

February 20
Lakeland College
Sheboygan, WI
Lakeland College

February 22
University of Wisconsin
Marshfield, WI
University of Wisconsin

February 24
Cumberland County College
Frank Guaracini, Jr. Fine & Performing Arts Center
Vineland, NJ
Cumberland County College

February 27, 28
College of Staten Island
Center for the Arts, Staten Island, NY
College of Staten Island

March 15
Harford Community College, Amoss Performing Arts Center
Bel Air, MD
Harford Community College

April 18
Raritan Valley Community College
Somerville, NJ
Raritan Valley Community College

April 26
Stephen F. Austin State University
Turner Auditorium, Nacogdoches, TX
Stephen F. Austin State University

May 10
John Hancock Hall, Back Bay Events Center
Boston, MA
Back Bay Events Center

May 16
Publick Playhouse
Cheverly, MD
Publick Playhouse

May 23-25
Alvin Ailey CitiGroup Theater
New York, NY
Alvin Ailey CitiGroup Theater

For more information, contact each venue using the links above. We hope to see you in one of the cities that we visit!

New Dancers Join NNCDC

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The Company welcomes several new dancers for the upcoming 2008 season. Nai-Ni invited Selena Chau, Lindsey Parker, and Julie Fiorenza to join the Company following their participation in her popular and highly competitive June 2007 audition series. Watch for future audition notices and artistic opportunities in our newsletter!

Board of Trustees Congratulatory News!

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The Company would like to thank Shelly Jacobs Mintz, the outgoing President of our Board of Trustees, for her six years of outstanding and generous service. She will be moving to England with her family, and we wish her well for her future overseas. Arlene Yang, a current Board member with six years' service, has been elected as the new Board President.