My previous works, the dance productions from different periods, have been performed at the festival. What’s special about this year is that, two different institutions, the CSIAF and PSA, have worked together with me to present my art. This has not been achieved at a lot of other festivals. I feel that the festival and the whole world is growing together as time goes by.
Shen Wei, choreographer, artist
I remember the first time CSIAF came to me, asking me to create a modern dance production based on Chinese culture. I was surprised because all my works then were about Yunnan province. I thought of the classical story of the conflict between the ancient Chu and Han kingdoms in Peking opera, and I created Under Siege. The success of this production then led to the commissioning of Rite of Spring, a dance production with oriental colors based on the music of Stravinsky. I am proud to have found the most appropriate expressions.
Yang Liping, dancer, choreographer
About 18,000 stage performances take place in Shanghai every year. Over in the neighboring city of Tokyo, the figure is 40,000. Shanghai has to increase the number of shows. There needs to be more larger scale and colorful performances. The venues can be more diverse, too, and not just limited to proscenium stages.
Wang Jun, president of the center for CSIAF
(China Daily European Weekly 11/23/2018 page15)