REVIEW: Inspired by The Eastern Wind

©️Inspired by The Eastern Wind Production

Making its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Inspired by The Eastern Wind, by Flow Dance Crew, is a Chinese street and contemporary dance production drawn from the legendary tale of Zhuge Liang summoning the wind in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Rooted in the classical philosophy of tian ren he yi (the harmony between nature and humanity), the piece reflects on how time, place, and collective unity can shape destiny.

The dancers displayed not only excellent technical ability but also an infectious energy that carried the audience with them. A variety of sequences showcased diverse styles and skills, seamlessly blending martial arts movement with Chinese traditional cultural elements.

The most striking motif was the use of the bin bags, an unconventional yet cool prop, imaginatively incorporated throughout the choreography. Lighting design supported the piece beautifully, creating an atmosphere that shifted between delicacy and intensity.

The sound design and music editing ensured fluid transitions and rhythmic drive, though the overly sharp high frequencies in the mix caused some discomfort for listeners, a detail that could be refined in future iterations.

Overall, Inspired by The Eastern Wind is a bold and ambitious experiment. While its philosophical reflections were not always fully articulated, the work succeeded in delivering a fresh and inventive dance experience. With deeper exploration and refinement, it promises even greater resonance in the future.

★★★1/2

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/inspired-by-eastern-wind

Credits:

Executive Producer: Qiao Qian
Chief Planner: Ma Linhong
Producer: Yao Yao
Directors: Rao Yuhong, Ye Zheng
Choreography Director: Lily Chan
Choreographers & Dancers: Xu Yujie, Tu Keyi, Lan Bowen, Zhang Xinyi, Chen Fangyun, Liao Fan, Sun Caini, Zou Junhao, Wang Jiawen, Pang Guoqiang, Fan Jie, Chen Jie
Multimedia Designer: Mu Jin, Li Ruihan
Lighting Designer: Hu Jundong, Lin Yanwei
Visual Designer: Zhang Jixing
Music Arrangers: Zhao Yuhang, Tong Siyuan
Styling Director: Tao Yichen
Styling Team: Chen Shiqi, Jiang Hao
Stage Manager: Zheng Yuhan
Publicity Coordinators: Liu Yi, Zhong Mengdi, Chen Keying
On-site Coordinator: Zhao Yaqi
Graphic Designer: Liang Liang
Promotional Video: SoNice Vision