Movingtogether
A Chinese artistic director works with African colleagues to promote local arts and culture
It is no secret that dancing brings people closer, no matter their origins or backgrounds. Lin Hai, a Chinese dancer-turned-director, knows that better than most. After having directed dance performances in Eritrea and Central African Republic, he said he has developed a strong bond with Africa.
“Through my experience in Africa, I became deeply fascinated with this piece of land, and I have plans to direct more African dance performances in the future,” Lin told Chinafrica.
Lin recalled his trip to Eritrea in 2011 where he was to direct an important performance. As he was about to get off the airplane and step on Eritrean soil after a 20-hour flight in February that year, he felt strangely nervous. He said that the feeling was somehow similar to how he used to feel minutes before stepping on stage for a dance performance, he told Chinafrica.
Lin had been entrusted by the Eritrean Government to direct a large-scale dance performance for the country’s most important cultural event - the 2011 Eritrean Festival Expo, to be held in the capital Asmara in August.
Lin was confident in being up to the task. After all, as the Chairman of Mianyang Dancers Association, in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, he had many years of experience under his belt. Moreover, he was not alone in this, as his fellow Eritrean dance directors were expecting his arrival, eager to work with him on such an important project.
“Africa is rich in local art and original tribal culture, which are valuable artistic resources. Every time I go to Africa, I hope to work with my local partners to better use these resources,” Lin said. presented with a resounding success, and received high praises from his hosts.
This success established his reputation as a first-class director throughout the continent. Two years later, in 2008, Lin was invited by the Eritrean Government to contribute his expertise and ideas to a large-scale theatrical performance in celebration of the country’s Independence Day. Again, he lived up to his reputation with a breathtaking show.
“Every time I go to a new place to design or direct