The Seventh Rose is a dance theater masterpiece choreographed by the renowned dance artist Tianyi Li. Tianyi, as a featured artist, has been invited to perform live, bringing her dynamic and innovative style at Craft Central London, December 2023.
Since The Seventh Rose debut in December 2022, the production has been rigorously practiced and performed in a variety of artistic venues, each time striving to uncover fresh, expressive possibilities in dance beyond traditional theater boundaries. The choreography, characterized by precise control of small joint movements and smooth, flowing bodily motions, displays exceptional technical finesse. It challenges conventional dance norms, bringing a fresh perspective to contemporary dance.
Tianyi Li’s choreography seamlessly blends Eastern and Western elements, vividly showcasing her ability to merge various cultural expressions with physical movements to articulate her artistic vision. In the dance theater, this fusion is enhanced by extensive stage lighting, which not only creates a captivating ambiance but also synchronizes with the dancers’ movements, enriching the storyline. When performing the same piece in different artistic venues, Tianyi adopts a style akin to environmental dance, infusing her performances with inventive variations and expanding her expressive repertoire.
In different performance environments, choreographer is creatively reinterpreted to each unique space adjust and adapt their expression for each new setting, effectively engaging in a process of re-creation tailored to the specificities of each venue.This interaction creates a striking contrast between a sense of isolation and the lively energy that fills the performance. Tianyi skillfully utilizes the body, music, and visual elements as essential parts of her work. The harmonious blend of these components leads to an enchanting exploration of artistic expression. Her ability to adjust her choreography to suit various environments demonstrates the breadth and flexibility of her artistic style.
Highlight on “Interwoven”:
In the “Interwoven” part of her performance, Tianyi Li explores the themes of femininity and cultural identity with depth and nuance. This captivating section of the dance gracefully merges vulnerability with strength, creating an elegant visual narrative that goes beyond words. Her fluid movements form a sophisticated visual language, illustrating the complex interplay between femininity and cultural identity. This segment is a clear demonstration of Tianyi’s skill in addressing complex themes, highlighting her refined and intricate approach to portraying these intertwined aspects.
The artist places a strong emphasis on the critical role of color design in stage settings to enhance the visual impact of dance performances. She strongly values the importance of color design in stage presentations, recognizing its power to elevate the visual appeal of dance performances. Her method extends beyond merely echoing the dancers’ emotions; it entails an active and dynamic engagement between the performers and the stage’s visual components. This synergy aims to produce a cohesive and striking visual impact, effectively transforming the dancers’ movements into a visual manifestation of their internal states. This approach not only enhances the overall visual experience but also fosters an atmosphere that can be likened to a journey of “artistic psychological healing” for the audience.
Tianyi’s unique approach to color selection in her performances veers away from the typically bold and striking tones. Instead, she intuitively chooses each color for the lighting and costumes, drawing from her personal life experiences to find the perfect hues for artistic expression. This choice reflects her distinct visual style, partially inspired by the dancers’ rehearsal attire, which brings to mind the softness of sunsets and moonlight. These carefully selected colors convey a subtle, lasting beauty, capturing the current emotional state and the varied atmospheres of life. Additionally from her life experience, marked by a constant sense of uncertainty and recurring cycles, influences her color choices. These hues reflect the perpetual and mysterious aspects of life, resonating with the recurring patterns of existence and the nuances of her personal background.
Following Tianyi’s artistic trajectory from her early works to the present, we have observed a remarkable evolution in her creative expression. Her unique talent, coupled with a dedicated approach to conveying stories through movement, establishes her as a significant figure in contemporary dance. The impact of her previous performances and our initial interactions with her work have set the stage for a continued exploration of her artistic growth.
Our sustained interest in Tianyi’s work highlights her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and reflects the broader cultural conversations she initiates through her choreography. As our engagement with her deepens, we remain committed to providing insightful commentary on her creative process, exploring the rich themes of her performances, and appreciating the substantial influence her work has on the broader realm of contemporary dance.
Ying Xiao, Independent Dance Critic, Choreographer, and Artist
Recipient of Artistic Grants from STADT ESSEN, Germany
