15 April 2002
Todd Tran

Chinese contemporary dance doesn't really conjure any strong images for me - unless you count Canto-pop dance in music videos. Therefore, when I heard that Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan is currenlty eliciting standard ovations from around the world for its breathtaking contemporary Chinese dance performances, I was intrigued.

Cloud Gate is the first contemporary dance company ever established in a Chinese-speaking community. Lin Hwai-min, a writer-turned-choreographer founded Cloud Gate in 1973 and has since filled theatres and auditoriums around the world.

Cloud Gate's current performance is Moon Water. Hwai-min describes the performance as "spiritual." The dancers' training includes meditation, Tai Chi, martial arts and Beijing Opera movements. The dance company includes an integrated team of ballet, Tai Chi, martial arts, and contemporary dance instructors. All this is very evident in the meticulous, supple and graceful movements throughout the performance. The movements blend effortlessly with the tunes of Bach's cello suites. You will be gently swooped off your feet and taken to a peaceful and harmonic nirvana.

Cloud Gate is currently performing every night at 7:30pm at Sadler's Wells from the 28th May until the 1st of June. For tickets visit www.sadlerswells.com. Dimsum readers can save 50%. Simply quote 'Dim Sum' and pay just £15 for best stalls seats (normally £30). Offer applies Tues 28 - Thurs 30 May 7.30pm

Cloud Gate is currently on a ten-week overseas tour touching down in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, and the U.S.

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