Feature: Chinese poetic dance transforms Hollywood's iconic theater into living art

by Fan Xiaoyi, Gao Shan

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Bathed in green-blue hues, the stage of Hollywood's iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles transformed into a living scroll Friday night, as performers moved like brushstrokes across a vast canvas in a poetic Chinese dance.

Titled "The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting," the dance was inspired by Wang Ximeng's 12th-century masterpiece "A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains." The painting, now housed at the Palace Museum in Beijing, is a vivid record of daily life and natural scenery in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and is widely considered one of the most significant works in the history of Chinese fine art.

The performance follows a modern Palace Museum researcher who imagines traveling back more than 900 years to explore the creative journey of young artist Wang. By blending ancient aesthetics with modern choreography, the performance celebrated how culture evolves while honoring its roots.

The dance is no stranger to American audiences. After a widely praised U.S. debut in 2024, it returned this year for a second round of performances. Friday's event marked the third stop of the show's 2025 North American tour, following earlier performances in Vancouver and Seattle.

Presented by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, the tour aims to deepen cultural ties and share traditional Chinese aesthetics with global audiences through the universal language of art.

"It is of special significance to bring this classic Chinese poetic dance to North America for the second time," said Zhang Lei, deputy general manager of the China Oriental Performing Arts Group. "I'm truly glad to see that many international audience members can understand and emotionally connect with it."

"We hope to continue sharing the beauty of Chinese culture through performances like this," Zhang told Xinhua, expressing hope that the tour will further expand the global reach of China's rich cultural heritage and promote mutual understanding and exchange between civilizations.

Since its premiere in Beijing in August 2021, The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting has become a cultural sensation in China, with more than 740 performances in over 70 cities across China and beyond. In October 2024, a film adaptation and a symphony concert based on the show were released.

At the Dolby Theatre, the performance captivated the audience of over 2,000.

"I think it's something truly unique -- something that's never been seen before," said Caryn Sterling, CEO at Sterling Worldwide Entertainment. "My eyes are wide open, my heart is wide open, and we're all ready to fully embrace the experience. I'm excited to see how this performance brings Chinese culture to life in such a poetic and powerful way."

The performance also impressed many with its visual richness and emotional depth. Among them was Thomas Markoff, a TCL Chinese Theaters partner.

"I love the outfits and the dancing. Without any words, it says a lot," Markoff said. "It tells a story, expresses emotion and creates a connection. That really strikes me and stays with me." ■