The human mind is a marvel, constantly surprising us with its boundless creativity.
Whether it’s through paint, music, dance, or speech, there’s always something new to be amazed by.
In the realm of dance, for instance, who could have imagined that umbrellas could be so captivating?
Enter the talented young ladies of Missouri State University.
Drawing inspiration from Asian culture, they’ve chosen an oriental theme for their performance, using vibrant Chinese umbrellas as their primary prop.
As they take the stage, dressed in contrasting black to accentuate the umbrellas’ colors, they begin their routine.
With the music setting the tone, they gracefully unfurl their umbrellas in harmony with the melody, creating a mesmerizing display of color.
Their performance is reminiscent of flowers blooming in spring. They initiate a rhythmic sequence of opening and closing their umbrellas, capturing the audience’s attention.
The stage comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors as they twirl and sway their umbrellas, mirroring each other’s movements.
As the dance progresses, the umbrellas seem to expand in tandem with the group’s dynamic choreography.
The musical backdrop for this dance is a fusion of traditional oriental instruments and contemporary beats.
The combination of Asian string instruments with a modern hip-hop rhythm creates a unique auditory experience.
The dance itself transitions seamlessly from traditional Asian movements to lighter ballet steps.
The simplicity of their steps, combined with the vibrant colors of the umbrellas, leaves the audience utterly captivated.
Delving into the history of these Chinese umbrellas, they date back beyond the Han dynasty.
Legend has it that they were originally designed with articulated joints for the chariot of an ancient Chinese Emperor named Wang Mang.
In fact, a collapsible umbrella was discovered at the burial site of Wang Mang’s son, Wang Guang.
Carbon dating places this artifact as originating from the 6th century BCE. Crafting these umbrellas is an art in itself, demanding precision and skill.
They are not just functional items but are deeply embedded in China’s cultural and historical tapestry.
The entire performance, though rich in content and creativity, lasts just under two minutes.
The choice of an all-black ensemble for the dancers enhances the visual impact on stage.
Towards the end, they come together, forming a compact formation, using the umbrellas to shield and accentuate their movements.
It’s a vivid reminder of the beauty and vibrancy colors bring to our lives.
As the tempo of the music slows, the dancers remain huddled, once again opening and closing their umbrellas.
This poignant moment seems to convey that every ending has its own unique beauty.
The audience’s enthusiastic cheers and applause are a testament to the success of the performance.
It’s a delightful blend of history and modernity, with each umbrella showcasing varied patterns, from solid colors to intricate designs of flowers, animals, and landscapes.
Check out the full performance in the video below!
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Source: YouTube, Chinahighlights
