Chinese Dance

Classical Dun Huang Dances

Dun Huang dance originated in the city of Dun Huang during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 A.D.) when cross-cultural exchanges took place between India, Arabia, Persia (modern-day Iran) and China through the famous Silk Road. Dun Huang was a fertile site of intersection for many merchants, scholars, religious figures and artists from the East and the West. Many paintings and sculptures have been found in the caves and grottos of Dun Huang. These images depict dancers in various poses, at different points in their dances. The Chinese classical Dun Huang dance style was derived from these historical artworks.

Join the collective this fall on November 11, 12 and 13 as our associate artistic director, Emily CHEUNG performs many classical repertoires, including several Dun Huang dances. Play the video excerpt on this page to see a little excerpt of Emily performing The Painted Sculpture of Dun Huang.

Click to learn about Chinese folk dance.