Primer Encuentro: Ejercicio Profesionalizacion Danza

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Taipei Dance Circle

When you watch the shiny, flexible bodies bound together in difficult poses, it's hard not to be intrigued by the magnificent Taipei Dance Circle performers.

Liou Shaw-Lu and Yang Wan-Rung started this modern dance group in 1984. As one of the founders of Cloud Gate Dance Theater, Liou had become skilled in various dance styles. After dancing his way across stages around the world, he came back to Taiwan to start his own group. In the beginning, Liou drew inspiration from his Hakka background. He incorporated traditional Chinese dance and music into the company's pieces. As time passed, the Taipei Dance Circle broke away from the stiffness of traditional dance by having its dancers expand the movements of their bodies.

However, the Chinese influence is still present. Liou's dances center around the idea of "chi," the Chinese word that means breath, life force, or inner spirit. As chi is the energy that flows through our bodies, Liou believes that the dancers must harness this force to free their minds and move their bodies.

One of the most interesting and provocative aspects of this group is their use of baby oil. Utilizing baby oil, the company aims to "dance without friction." Before each show, dancers are doused in oil, making the movement of their bodies totally fluid. On stage, the dancers appear practically naked as they glide towards each other, dramatically intertwining. The Taipei Dance Circle is truly a remarkable blend of Eastern tradition and modern innovation. But the question remains: how come they don't fall flat on their faces while dancing on oil?

1. Where did Liou pick up some of his dance techniques?

(A) When he was traveling in Europe.
(B) Exclusively from his Hakka upbringing.
(C) From the earlier versions of the Taipei Dance Circle.
(D) When he was part of another successful modern dance group.

2. Liou believes that ______.

(A) dancers must make use of the natural energy that is within all life forms
(B) it should be a lot easier for dancers to dance in baby oil
(C) dancers should take advantage of the entire stage to dance
(D) oil will make dancers fall flat on their face

3. What is the purpose of the baby oil?

(A) To make the dancers appear to be nude.
(B) To provide a feeling of warmth to the audience.
(C) To allow the bodies of the dancers to freely move.
(D) To get the dancers to feel as if they're young again.