The ‘Eight Graces’ of Ancient China, Reimagined in Dance and Theatre

Description

In their first-time collaboration, Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDance) and Singapore’s The Teng Company weave together music, dance and theatre in an original new work exploring the pursuit of balance, mindfulness and inner peace

The multidisciplinary piece presents a cross-cultural dialogue on the meaning of life, drawing inspiration from the ancient literati pursuits known as the “Eight Graces”: music, go (an ancient strategy board), calligraphy, painting, poetry, fragrance, flowers and tea. At Voyage of the Eight Graces’ centre is a traveller named Ah Ya, performed by HKDance principal Huang Wenjie, who invites audiences to reflect on life through fragments from her diary and journey toward balance, mindfulness and inner peace. 

Moving beyond classical conventions, The Teng Ensemble performs live across a fusion of musical idioms, while HKDance dancers use movement and body language to explore the spirit of the “Eight Graces”.

Premiered in Hong Kong, Voyage of the Eight Graces will also be presented in Shenzhen, where it has been selected for the 2026 Shenzhen Belt and Road International Music Festival.