[Integrated Development of Culture and Technology] HUTB Hosts the “HUTB Dance” Special Evening Gala
2024-06-05
The HUTB dance party was a vibrant display of energy and vitality, symbolizing a promising future. On May 31st, the “HUTB Dance” Special Evening Gala, part of the university’s “Toward 2035: Integration and Innovation for the Future” Technology and Culture Expo and the 2nd Science and Technology Festival, took place at the Xiangjiang Lecture Hall in Xiangjiang Building. Chen Xiaohong, Secretary of the CPC HUTB Committee, Director of Xiangjiang Laboratory, and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was joined by visiting academicians, experts, and representatives from the faculty and student body for an immersive experience in the captivating allure of dance. The audience was exposed to the intriguing contrast and convergence between Chinese and Western dance forms, as well as between traditional and modern dance styles.
The evening gala was jointly hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Committee, the HUTB Committee of the CYLC, and the School of Music. Prof. Xiao Ming, national first-grade conductor and Dean of the School of Music, served as the music director, while Prof. Fu Shanshan, Vice Dean and Professor of Talent Recruitment, was the dance director. Hunan Youth (International) Ballet Troupe and the Students’ Dance Troupe of the School of Architecture and Art from Central South University were invited to perform at the event. Faculty and students of the School of Music, College Art Troupe and the Students’ Dance Club also performed at the gala. The event was hosted by Song Wei and Zhou Hao, two young teachers from the School of Music.
The gala kicked off with a performance of the Chinese-style street dance “The Roar of a Dragon”, which served as an invigorating opening act. The dancers captured the vigor and vitality of teenagers in the street dance, incorporating Chinese elements and showcasing the allure of China’s millennia-old cultural heritage. Act III of the ballet “Swan Lake”: “The Ballroom” presented a story full of dramatic tension and emotional conflicts for the audience, enhanced by its cheerful rhythm and intense plots. The group dance, “Drunken Xiduo in the Dream”, brought to life the beautiful love story between the Youngest Princess and Pan Hu, a divine-dog-turned-knight in Chinese folklore. The piece depicted their heartfelt confessions, their decision to build a life together and their dreams for the future.
The dance performance accompanied by orchestral music, “Prelude”, presents a gradual unfolding of a dialogue that conveys subtle emotions and evokes deep contemplation in the audience. The male group dance, “Gobi Sand Dunes”, showcased the courage and fortitude of the sons of the steppes through powerful yet fluid dance movements, transporting the audience to the vast expanse of the Inner Mongolia grassland. The original sitcom, “HUTB Keeps Forging Ahead”, showcased the perseverance of our faculty and students in the face of adversity, as well as their resolve to build a bright future through hard work.
The performance of Act II of the “Swan Lake”, entitled “Four Little Swans”, and the ballet duet “Swan Lake” transported the audience to a world of romance and mystery. The dancers' graceful yet powerful movements told an ancient, poignant story in a silent manner. The women's group dance, “Rite of Passage”, portrayed the grandeur of the coming-of-age rituals for women of the Yao nationality in China. The dancers were attired in exquisite traditional costumes, and their every movement exuded the tenacity and self-confidence of the Yao women. In the group dance, “Chasing the Light”, the dancers pursued the glimmer of starlight with remarkable vigor and strength, overcoming obstacles along the way. They ultimately reached the summit and succeeded in capturing the radiant beam of light they had sought. The group dance, “The Elegance of Han Dynasty Dance”, provided an opportunity for the audience to appreciate the sophistication and charm of Han Dynasty culture. The dancers were dressed in resplendent, billowing Han attire, as if emerging from the pages of an ancient scroll, imbued with a timeless allure.
The male ensemble's rendition of “Yuyang Drums” effectively conveyed the passion of the ancient Yuyang locals through its intense melody and emotionally-charged vocals. The medley of songs, including “Farewell”, “Gardenia Blossoms”, “Glorious Years” and “The Motherland Will Never Forget”, evoked intense emotions and power, igniting the passion in the audience.
As the evening gala wrapped up, the participating leaders and guests, faculty, and students joined together to sing “Song of the Yangtze River” and “The Same Song”. Their powerful singing voices were both moving and inspiring, celebrating the happiness of everyone coming together and expressing aspirations for the future. The entire evening gala was an unforgettable artistic feast for the audience, thanks to its unique charm and profound connotations. (Written by Xia Qingsen, Wang Yanan, and Zhang Gaoyang and photos by the Converged Media Center)
