INTERVIEW: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company to celebrate ‘Year of the Snake’
Photo: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will perform the Year of the Snake at NJPAC. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by AMT PR with permission.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company continues to persevere and educate dance lovers who are entranced by the company’s magical spectacles of movement. The troupe, which is based in Fort Lee, New Jersey, faced heartbreak a couple of years ago after the death of its titular founder, but the performances continue on, harnessing the “grace and power of Asian arts and American dynamism,” according to press notes.
On Feb. 1-2, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company stops at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Victoria Theater in Newark, New Jersey, for a winter showcase called Year of the Snake, featuring routines such as “Lion in the City,” “Snake Duet,” “Tiger and Water Lilies” and “Dragon Festival,” among others. There will also be a special world premiere: “Dances of the Golden Snake,” choreographed by Ying Shi, the company’s director of traditional dance and preservation. The afternoon performances will celebrate the Chinese New Year, and feature colorful costumes and intricate puppetry.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Andy Chiang, executive director of the dance company. He previewed what audiences can expect at the NJPAC shows and the importance of carrying on Chen’s legacy. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Why is it so important for the company to celebrate the Year of the Snake?
Every Zodiac animal is important as it represents a group of people’s year in which they are born. We want to celebrate those who were born in the year of the Snake every 12 years.
Do you feel that the company’s performances are both entertaining and educational?
Our performance is a fantastic, festive cultural experience where the audience learn through seeing, hearing and participating
What can audiences expect from “Dances of the Golden Snake”?
The music “Crazy Dance of the Golden Snake” is well known for its energy and vibrancy. The audience can expect a big rush of energy and joy by watching this dance.
How family friendly are the performances?
The program is designed for the whole family to enjoy together.
How intricate are the puppets used for the dances?
The lion dance and dragon dance both use a large puppet to celebrate the power and mystery of nature. These puppets are made of bamboo, silk and paper. Today, there [is] some plastic involved as well. They are handmade and quite intricate in their visual appearance and design.
I’m very sorry for the loss of Nai-Ni Chen. How are you and the company doing? Do you feel an obligation to carry on her legacy?
The company is committed to perform Nai-Ni’s dances and keep them in the public view. As long as the audience expresses appreciation and joy from these dances, we are obligated to bring them to the stage. Thank you for asking.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will perform Feb. 1-2 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Victoria Theater in Newark, New Jersey. Click here for more information and tickets.
