On a stage that appears to have a grove of real bamboos spread irregularly across it, the lithe and beautifully costumed dancers of the troupe perform dances based partly on Western modern-dance techniques combined with what appears to be the slow-motion movements of Tai Chi. The seven sections of the piece--Morning Mist; Spring Breeze; Summer Heat; Autumn Path; When Rain Stops; At Midnight; and Snow--are set variously to music of Arvo Pärt, the Estonian composer of slow-moving neo-mystic music and featuring recordings of the likes of violinist Gidon Kremer and pianist Keith Jarrett, or the twelve cellos of the Berlin Philharmonic, and bamboo flute improvisations--ravishingly beautiful--by flutist Huang Sheng-Kai. There are some unusual touches, such as in the 'Snow' section having male dancers on the floor aiming sleekly modernistic-looking electric fans at the women dancers whose hair and long flowing costumes undulate slowly in the breeze. It's a strangely effective combination of modern and archaic, somehow.

Everything about this production is impeccably done--the lighting, the videography, the music, the costumes and, most of all, the compelling choreography.

I wouldn't be surprised if this DVD becomes a popular Christmas gift this year.

Scott Morrison