The fifth edition of Pointe to Point, Asia-Europe Dance Forum explored the relationships between tradition and contemporary, dance in urban and rural contexts, as well as the interaction between dance and music. This challenging twelve-day project was held in Beijing and various cities in Guizhou Province, China, aiming to provide an avenue for new inspirations, discoveries and to instigate questions.

Organised by ASEF and the China Dancers Association, the project gathered 12 choreographer and dancers together with six composer-improvisers from 14 ASEM countries. A team of Chinese and Dutch film documenters recorded closely the overall process. This recording will then be aired on CCTV3, CCTV9 and at the European Documentary Film festivals.

In Guizhou Province, the participants had the unique opportunity to undertake five-day research trip in a remote rural area where Miao Minority group lives and preserves its ancient traditions of dance and music. Following these inspiring observations and impressions from the community, the artists then carried out a series of intensive workshops in Beijing, China. The artists’ creative process received advice from choreographers Susan Buirge (France-USA) and Wen Hui (China) and composers Fabrizio Cassol (Italy-Belgium) and Joyce Koh (Singapore). In less than 24 hours of workshop, the artists were able to create pieces which were conceptually built on their experiences in Guizhou.

As one of the outcomes of the project, a public presentation was held at the Theatre of the China Arts Academy in Beijing on 24 November. This event was attended by more than 300 people, including Ambassador Lu Yongshou (ASEF Governor for China) and several embassies’ representatives. The presentation encapsulated the artists’ experiences and observations through their exploration of the Miao Minority. Additionally, observers Jan Goossens (Belgium), Seong Hee Kim (Korea) and Jiang Dong (China) presented their thoughts and comments on the whole process in a poetic way at the event.

As the follow-up of this project, ASEF will release a publication with a documentary film covering the whole process. Furthermore, all participants are exploring ways to continue to work together.

For more information on this project please visit http://pointetopoint2007.wordpress.com or contact Ms. Katelijn Verstraete at katelijn.verstraete@asef.org.