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Event
Ah-Lan Dance 2018 Show: The Butterfly Lovers
The 2018 Gala dance show presented by East Bay Dance ensemble Ah-Lan Dance features a dance drama based on the timeless Chinese tale "The Butterfly Lovers," and a dance suite based on "Four Great Beauties" of ancient China, both newly choreographed by creative director Ah-Lan.
"The Butterfly Lovers" tells the tale of star-crossed lovers Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai and is set in China's Jin Dynasty. Zhu Yingtai, a talented young woman, wanted to become a scholar but was forbidden to enter the academy due to the prohibition against women studying at the academy at the time. She eventually disguised herself as a man, and began her studies at the academy, eventually falling in love with her fellow student Liang Shanbo.
Though Liang was slow to discover the true identity of his "best classmate," the pair soon become devoted to each other and sought to marry, only to be thwarted by a marriage to a wealthy merchant arranged for Zhu Yingtai by her family.
Though the lovers meet a tragic end, their love proves transcendent as they ultimately live up to their namesake "The Butterfly Lovers."
"The Four Great Beauties" of ancient China gained their reputation from the influence they exercised over kings and emperors and, consequently, the way their actions impacted Chinese history. Three of the Four Beauties brought kingdoms to their knees and their lives ended in tragedy.
Xi Shi (lived c. 7th to 6th century BC, Spring and Autumn period), said to be so entrancingly beautiful that fish would forget how to swim and sink below the surface upon seeing her reflection in the water.
Wang Zhaojun (lived c. 1st century BC, Western Han Dynasty), said to be so beautiful that her appearance would entice birds in flight to fall from the sky.
Diaochan (lived c. 3rd century, Late Eastern Han/Three Kingdoms period), said to be so luminously lovely that the moon itself would shy away in embarrassment when compared to her face.
Yang Guifei (lived 719756, Tang Dynasty), said to have a face that put all flowers to shame.
This newly choreographed dance suite will tell the tale of these beauties' lives, loves, and sacrifices for their country.
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LocationEl Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater (View)
540 Ashbury Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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