The programme for this tour includes three well-known works choreographed by Jiří Kylián and a piece by Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

In Memoriam

On the 15th and 16th of November, Introdans started its 2011 China tour at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing then the Company travelled to Shanghai and performed successfully at the Shanghai Center Theater on the 19th and 20th of November. The next stop on the tour will be Hefei and then Wuhan which is the sister city of Arnhem, the famous dance company's home.

Evening Songs

The programme for this tour includes three well-known works choreographed by Jiří Kylián and a piece by Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Evening Songs, Sechs Tänze and Indigo Rose are representative works that demonstrate Jiří Kylián's creative genius. Evening Songs, set to choral music, focuses on the sculptural beauty of pure movement. Sechs Tänze makes good use of visual humor with ball gown cut-outs gliding smoothly, with and without heads, across the stage. Indigo Rose is a collage of expressive, intriguing dances set against a striking minimal background. The opening choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, In Memoriam, exudes a mystic aura, as women and men in long skirts spin like Turkish whirling dervishes to haunting laments. In Beijing and Shanghai, the fascinating choreographic works, the incredible stage design and the highly energetic performance of Introdans kept both young and old audience members on the edge of their seats, and won prolonged applause.

Introdans and Wu Promotion staff after the performance

Founded in 1971, the ambitious company has become one of the most important ambassadors of Dutch dance abroad. During earlier appearances in China, Introdans was well received by both critics and audiences. As part of the Company's 40th jubilee celebration, the artistic director Roel Voorintholt especially programmed the works of Maestro Jiří Kylián because his work fits very well with the artistic vision and aesthetic of the company. As one of the world's greatest choreographers, Jiří Kylián combines the structure of classical ballet with modern dance techniques. After the show in Shanghai, Voorintholt was interviewed by Life Week and The Bund. He said that modern dance has vast market potential in China and this tour was believed to be a great success.