“Tide of Era” – A Dance Odyssey of China’s Transformative Journey

When you think of a dance that encapsulates the journey of an entire nation, “Tide of Era” should be at the forefront. The production, presented by the renowned China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre, delves deep into China’s meteoric rise from the 1980s to the present, revealing the country’s socio-economic and technological advancements in the most melodious way.

While the overarching theme might appear somewhat glossed over, the intertwined stories that form its backbone are both profound and relatable. This massive undertaking by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre, founded in 1964 and operating under the auspices of the central government, sheds light on the past four decades of China’s journey.

The performance begins with the intertwined story of a young, aspirational couple migrating to the lively southern city of Guangzhou in the 1980s. Amid the city’s burgeoning industries and bubbling energy, they encounter each other and are instantly enamored. Their romantic duet, replete with breathtaking choreography that includes audacious lifts and stunts, marks the zenith of the show’s dance sequences. Their initial success sees the man establishing a booming technology enterprise, and for a while, their life seems picture-perfect.

However, the relentless tide of time begins to erode their happiness. The man, consumed by his entrepreneurial zeal, starts sidelining his family, oblivious to his wife’s deteriorating health. This negligence culminates in multiple tragedies – the disintegration of his business, his wife’s untimely death, and the estrangement from his son, who leaves for overseas studies, abandoning his partner.

A stark portrayal follows – the lonely father, struggling against the relentless march of time, vividly symbolized by his futile run in place. The subsequent act portrays the son, miles away in a remote mountainous region, communicating with his girlfriend over the internet. An earthquake disrupts their connection, pushing him to fly back and navigate the disaster-hit area in search of her.

In his pursuit, he encounters his father, who employs his technological prowess to locate survivors. The son witnesses his father’s nobility as he saves lives, yet remains distant, returning to his overseas life. As time flows, the prodigal son and other foreign-educated graduates return, using their newfound knowledge to further propel China’s ascendancy. The narrative culminates in reconciliation, innovation, and love, drawing a full circle and closing on a hopeful note.

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre audience resonated with the performance, offering a standing ovation. The attendees were a diverse mix, suggesting the performance’s universal appeal, transcending the usual dance aficionados.

“Tide of Era”, although having its naive moments, succeeds in addressing relatable human challenges. Tong Ruirui’s choreography might not break boundaries but narrates the tale eloquently. The ensemble sequences symbolizing China’s progressive tides, though slightly repetitive, echo the nation’s pulse effectively.

Aesthetically, the production’s design elements play a pivotal role. Zhong Jiani’s outfits and Hu Tianji’s multimedia exhibits seamlessly transition the viewer through decades. Pan Yongchao’s portrayal of the father is exceptional, resonating with raw emotion, technical prowess, and unparalleled endurance. Every dancer’s dedication shone through, although a more comprehensive list of credits would have provided the recognition they deserved.

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