Zhang Jigang
Zhang Jigang 张继钢 | |
---|---|
Sina.com, 2006 | |
Born | , China | December 25, 1958
Spouse | Zhang Lamei |
Children | 1 |
Zhang Jigang (
He is the only choreographer to receive the crown title of "Century Star" in the country, and is responsible for the creation of more than 300 large-scale productions in over 60 countries.
Early career
Zhang Jigang was born in the ancient Chinese city of
1980s
Zhang truly began to establish himself as a leading choreographer during this period, although he was yet to obtain the level of international success he would experience in the 90's. His works contained many traditional cultural Chinese dance influences throughout the decade, and were often categorized by heavy militaristic symbols.
Mother and Son (母与子)
Created by Zhang in 1986, it revolves around a mother and her criminal son. It was performed in Beijing, and was one of Zhang's first major works.
The Night of Yuanxiao Festival (元宵夜)
A comedic story created by Zhang Jigang revolving around a couple who visit the Yuanxiao Festival and lose each other in crowd. It quickly became a smash hit, and was franchised across China by dozens of provincial theatre companies.
Feelings of the Yellow River Girl (黄河儿女情)
A show developed by a number of choreographers.
1990s
A prolific period in Zhang's career, in 1992 he was invited to work as Choreographer for the Art Troupe of the PLA's General Political Department. Representing the highest attainable level of dance, the troupe continues to be the most famous group of its kind in China.
Yellow Earth (黄土黄)
Received the 20th Century Classical Dance Award, and a national smash success. It also received the 3rd Taoli Award for outstanding dance production.
A Man Who Dances Yangge (一个扭秧歌的人)
Another production to receive the 20th Century Classical Dance Award. The story revolved around the passion of dance in China.
I Come From the Yellow River (俺从黄河来)
Be Kind, and Take it Easy (善之)
Wing of Life (生命之翼)
Happy Girl (女儿红)
Flying (翔)
Daughter's River (女儿河)
2000–present
A period of international acclaim and militaristic success for Zhang Jigang. He was promoted to the rank of
Thousand Hand Bodhisattva (Guan Yin) (千手观音)
Zhang Jigang's most famous and influential production. The piece features 21 hearing impaired dancers who form remarkable arm and hand positions by standing very squished together in a straight line. Breathtaking images are created as the dancers produce perfectly timed and choreographed movements. The show quickly became a national treasure and overwhelming domestic success. It was first performed internationally at the
Forbidden Fruit Under The Great Wall (一把酸枣)
Zhang Jigang's most recent production. The large scale show features a cast with some of China's most famous acrobatic and traditional dance stars. It revolves around the life of a young man who seeks his fortune in
CCTV National Dance Competition, Season 4 (第四届CCTV电视舞蹈大奖赛)
Zhang Jigang was a returning celebrity judge on China's most popular dance idol show. The program could be compared to that of the
2008 Beijing Opening Ceremonies
On August 8, 2008, Zhang Jigang co-directed and choreographed the
Awards
- 1986 Third Annual National Dance Competition 3rd Award
- 1986 National Folk Singing and Dance Competition 1st Place of the Grand Prize
- 1987 National Wen Hua Award
- 1990 Tao Li Award
- 1992 20th Century Classical Dance
- 2002 The Wing of Life, Best International Production, Japan
- 2002 April Spring International, Best Choreography, North Korea
- 2003 Hollywood Star Award, Best Director
See also
Notes
- ^ "BOCOG announces creation team for games ceremonies", 2010 Commerce Center, B.C. Olympics Secretariat.
- ^ CCTV - "Hand in Hand" steals CCTV Dance Contest
- ^ Zhang Yimou and his five creative generals - The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Archived April 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Verbruggen: Opening Ceremony a grand success Archived April 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Beijing's Games kick off with spectacular opening ceremony". AFP. 2008-08-08. Archived from the original on September 3, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
- ^ "Games begin with spectacular show". BBC. 2008-08-08. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
- Times Online. Retrieved 2008-08-09.