Tao Dance Theatre / NorrlandsOperan 6 - The Sami Chinese Project 14-15 February 2014

Programme

- I've been driven by the idea of giving Tao's dance aesthetic new music fused with Sami tones and Chinese urbanism electro. An idea that gave everyone involved a big and complicated mission on two sides of the globe. The feeling for our worlds and origins was the basic idea and what we found was the common ground in being human, says Annelie Gardell, artistic director at Dansens Hus.

Dansens Hus artistic director Annelie Gardell initiated the performance 6 - Sami-Chinese Project at NorrlandsOperan for the prestigious task of opening the European Capital of Culture year in Umeå. The performance is a commissioned work and co-production with NorrlandsOperan where Sami joik meets Chinese contemporary dance. After the premiere, the performance goes on tour within Dansnät Sweden before ending at Dansens Hus in Stockholm.

The music is provided by yoyo Simon Issát Marainen from Övre Soppero, musician Axel Andersson from Arvidsjaur and one of China's leading indie rockers Xiao He, who is known for his experimental and improvised solo performances in China, Europe and the USA.

The dancers and musicians have had residencies in different places in their respective countries, such as Ricklundgården in Saxnäs - framed by the quiet mountain landscape there - and in the world metropolis Beijing. Inspired by how the peace and quiet as well as the pace of the big city affects both body and soul, they now meet the audience in a powerful and suggestive dance concert for all the senses.

Facts about Tao Ye and Tao Dance Theatre

Before founding Tao Dance Theatre, choreographer Tao Ye graduated from the Chongqing Dance School in Chongqing, China. He has danced with major companies such as the Beijing Modern Dance Company (BMDC). He is known for his special technique where he allows dancers to explore the potential of the human body, pushing it to the extreme beyond expectations and limitations. He is often invited to give workshops both in China and abroad, and has participated in the American Dance Festival and the Singapore Arts Festival.

Since its inception in 2008, Tao Dance Theatre has become one of China's most beloved dance companies, exploring and renewing the role of contemporary dance in China. The company performs all over the world with its shows that often combine dance, music and visual arts.

"Tao Ye is emerging rapidly as a force to be reckoned with, as well as the most exciting name in modern dance... Tao is taking Chinese dance where it really needs to go."
Time Out Beijing about TAO Dance Theatre