"A Tapestry of a Legendary Land" - Actors Meet Fans Original Dance Step Class Students Thrilled

The highly anticipated fan meet-and-greet for “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land” took place on January３at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center's outdoor theater.

The event was a great success, with over 200 attendees filling every seat. Three lead dancers demonstrated original dance steps, making the master class an unforgettable experience.

Hosted by the Pan American Dance Alliance and organized by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, the event was a vibrant celebration. 

Cheer Pan, Executive Director of the Pan American Dance Alliance, shared that the performance team is on a nationwide U.S. tour, offering audiences insights into the creative process behind A Tapestry of a Legendary Land and the timeless charm of the painting “ A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains”.

Peter Jia, founder of the Time Theater Collective, praised the performance for its creativity and its role in promoting Chinese culture through live performance.

“A Tapestry of a Legendary Land” is a dance-poem drama inspired by the famous Northern Song Dynasty painting "A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains". The story follows the "Exhibitor," who, through deep research, unexpectedly travels back in time to the Northern Song Dynasty. There, they experience the painter Xi Meng’s creative process, connecting emotionally with the artwork and bridging the past and present.

Lead dancers Zhang Han, Xie Suhao, and Yuan Jiaying, who portray Xi Meng, the Exhibitor, and Qinglü, shared their creative insights and performed original dance steps during the master class. Participants were excited to follow along as they learned the choreography.

Zhang Han, portraying Xi Meng, shared that the role required deep emotional immersion, with his movements reflecting the character's connection to the painting. Jia Lei, the costume designer, explained how traditional Chinese artwork inspired the stage costumes, bringing ancient imagery to life.

Li Li, Director of the Dance Center at the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, emphasized that the production exemplifies the promotion of Chinese culture through dance. She hopes the U.S. tour helps more people experience the depth of Chinese culture.

The event also saw local officials, including Donald P. Wanger (Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors), Melinda Liu (Irvine Councilmember), and Jeanne Baran (Chief of Staff for the Irvine Mayor’s Office), who welcomed the team and praised the production as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange.