China’s Dance Forward

“Modern dance in China is searching for its heart, and its identity, as it emerges from a tradition of collectivism that viewed all artists as cheerleaders for the Communist Party. With the government loosening its grip, practitioners of the art form are finding opportunities to experiment and grow. But while its star rises abroad, Chinese modern dance also finds itself confronting commercial pressures and more subtle forms of government entanglement, as well as a struggle to build a quality audience at home.”