Chinese dance builds cultural bridge in LA

When Debbie Allen, an acclaimed American actress, choreographer and the 2025 Academy Honorary Award recipient, stepped into the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, she did something rare. As executive producer of Grey's Anatomy, Allen had cleared her production schedule so she could witness The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, a poetic Chinese dance drama making its Los Angeles premiere on Aug 1.

"I am so honoured to see this incredible performance. I'm so thrilled that these Chinese artists have come to America to share their culture, to share their grace and power, and inspire all of us," she told China Daily.

By the end of the evening, Allen was on her feet, applauding with joy and admiration. Her sentiment captured the essence of the night, a celebration of cultural artistry and people's connection across countries.

The dance drama is inspired by A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains, the monumental 12th-century scroll painting by Wang Ximeng, a teenage prodigy of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The original scroll — now housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing — has rarely been exhibited and has never traveled abroad.

Structured in seven poetic chapters from "Unfolding the Scroll" to "Merging with the Painting", the production follows a modern cultural historian's journey back in time to explore the artist's creative spirit and the philosophical richness of this masterpiece.

Presented by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting captivated a full house with its rich visual storytelling and emotional depth. More than a performance, it was a living expression of Chinese artistic heritage that bridges past and present, East and West.

Film director and producer Harrison Engle described the experience as "emotionally moving."

"It's really extraordinary, the dance, choreography, design, lighting and music, all so overwhelming and so moving," he told China Daily. "I hope that this show is welcomed by many people outside of the immediate Chinese community in the US. I think it would give them a whole new perspective about Chinese culture."

This dynamic stage interpretation brings the ancient work to life, offering audiences an immersive journey through sight and sentiment. Through its flowing narrative and elegant choreography, the production becomes a profound reflection on artistic devotion, cultural legacy and the enduring spirit of Chinese civilization. For many audience members, the show was their first encounter with Chinese classical dance on such an expressive scale.

"This show was wonderful. It's a real art," film producer Bogdan Szumilas told China Daily. "We need more shows like this."

Evie, a young dancer who attended the premiere, described the show as "super interesting."

"It's definitely something I haven't seen before," she said. "I loved the costumes, and all the design elements were really captivating. The story was told beautifully."

The performance has already been hailed in China as a "pinnacle of aesthetics", and has enjoyed more than 700 sold-out performances since its debut in 2021. Its international acclaim surged after the mesmerizing "Green Waist" dance segment was featured on China's Spring Festival Gala in 2022.

In Los Angeles, the two-day premiere followed successful stops in Vancouver, Canada and Seattle, Washington. It will travel next to Houston, Texas. But the city's multicultural landscape made the LA premiere particularly meaningful, with a diverse crowd of artists, executives and cultural influencers in attendance. Before the performance, anticipation was already high.

"I love Chinese culture," said Lance Sterling, owner of concert venues across Southern California, including the House of Blues. "And I believe this is true Chinese culture. I hope one day my concerts can showcase such Chinese dance and performance."

His wife, Caryn Sterling, a talent manager in the entertainment industry, echoed that enthusiasm. "My eyes are wide open, my heart is wide open. We can't wait to take it all in — the grace, the creativity, the detail. I think this will stay with me forever," she said.

Douglas Ivanovich, founder of World Peace One Concerts and a member of the LA Beverly Arts group, believes that arts is a bridge between nations.

"One of the missions of the arts is to help people understand each other better, and to elevate humanity into a more creative, peaceful and productive existence," he told China Daily. "Art is one of our best ambassadors."

Ivanovich emphasized that cultural exchange with China has long been a priority for their group. "We reach out very often to the people of China. We want to make that bridge bigger, better and stronger between our cultures," he said.

The show's dedication to authenticity has been key to its success. The entire original creative team from China traveled to the US, ensuring that every detail from traditional Song Dynasty (970-1279) costume design to choreography and scenic visuals was executed with historical accuracy and aesthetic integrity.

As the final curtain fell, the theatre known for hosting the Oscars erupted in a lengthy standing ovation.

"I served as an American ambassador to the world through dance and took part in many cultural missions all over the world. One of the most unforgettable was in China, where I saw some of the greatest dancers, culture and history," said Allen.

"What I saw tonight isn't just Chinese culture, it's universal. In today's world, art remains one of the most powerful forces for healing and fostering connection between nations," she added.

renali@chinadailyusa.com