A series of modern dance performances staged by the Guangdong Modern Dance Company last week attracted audiences to the 10th anniversary of the troupe's establishment.

"We'd like to make our celebration more or less a small dance festival," said Gao Chengming, director general of the company.

The feast of four stages included the new repertoire of "Meng Bai (Dreaming of Li Bai)," debuts works of young choreographers of the company, as well as award-winning works from the last decade.

As well as the performances five lectures were given by established choreographers and critics, looking at new topics such as video and experimental theatre given by Wu Wenguang, a digital video enthusiast, and the present and future of world modern dance by modern dance critic, Ou Jianping.

The varied dance expression of the fresh choreographers is very impressive, said Ou after viewing the dashing debut of their works on June 11. "It is more courageous to debut fresh creative ideas rather than using old stuff."

The debut, set in the troupe's small theatre, began with the show, "The Pond." The dancers gave plausible renditions of the spirits of the true and false, beautiful and ugly.

The final programme "Carnivore" rocked the audience. Created by Frances d'Ath and improvised by the dancers of the company, the dance is a horror story where no one is innocent and everyone is corrupt, where nothing is left unsullied by craven desire, and even death is no release.

For the last decade, creative choreographers have shaped powerful modernist aesthetics into the company's repertory.

Last year, the company's debut in the Joyce Theatre in New York was embraced by audiences and critics alike. "The dynamic range, balanced between an amazing athletic thrust and a contained elegance, will not be seen elsewhere," writes the New York Times.

At the same time, the traditional movements of Chinese dance - courtly, regal, and breathtaking in physical beauty - remain the trademark of the troupe.

Founded in 1992, Guangdong Modern Dance Company is China's first professional modern dance company, under the auspices of the Guangdong Provincial Cultural Bureau.

After a decade of efforts, the company has arguably remained among the top troupes at home and abroad. It tours Europe and Asia frequently.

The past decade also witnessed the rise of star dancers and choreographers when Qiao Yang, Xing Liang, Sang Jijia, Li Hongjun, Long Yunna and Hou Ying gained recognition by winning prestigious world dance contests such as the biennial Paris International Dance Competition.

Gao Chengming, the director general, wistfully pictured the future scenario that the troupe will continue to craft at least three new shows every year. "And we are open to all fine choreographers," he added.

More aggressively, Gao is willing, to promote modern dance in remote areas in China, where modern dance is nothing more than a novelty.

( China Daily June 18, 2002)