The noted dancer Jin Xing steps out into the limelight of the world stage with her latest production entitled, "Shanghai Tango".
The production has been invited to perform in France to celebrate the Sino-French Culture Year in January 2004 and the ensuing performances will be held in France, Belgium, Germany and other European countries.
A preview of the production sponsored by the Shanghai Star was shown on December 9 at the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the reaction from the audience both home and abroad to the night was extremely warm.
The production embraces 10 pieces of work choreographed by Jin Xing. They are "Steps", "Dance02", "Red Wine", "Four Happiness", "Shanghai Tango", "Half Dream", "Island", "Black and Red", "No Way Out" and "Senses of Colours".
"Some of are newly-made, some of are my favorite creations from several years ago. However, I hope all these pieces will depict the current mentality of Shanghai people," said Jin Xing. She added that "Red Wine", "Shanghai Tango" and "No Way Out" were premiered on December 9.
Although a controversial artist, Jin Xing tends to strike the most delicate string of the viewers' hearts with her thrilling and daring movements.
Jin Xing first stepped into the dance arena as a nine-year-old boy, yet even as a teenager, Jin believed he was really a woman, only one born with a male body.
He began thinking about choosing gender for himself, and continued thinking about it, from the age of 19 until he was 28.
Jin Xing finally undertook a trans-sexualization operation in 1995 and after three-month painful rehabilitation, Jin Xing was able to return to the stage as a female modern dancer.
Jin Xing said: "Previously I didn't want people to pay more attention to my trans-sexual operation than my dancing art."
But gradually, she changed her mind, she believes at least half of the audience go to the theatre for her art, and the other half go there merely out of curiosity about her.
"Nevertheless, the other half are not coming to see the trans-sexual operation. They are coming to see my choreography. So I hope I can touch them with the art of modern dance, and turn them into dance-lovers," said Jin.
Catherine Moreau, the producer of a French visual production company, has come all the way from France to see the production of "Shanghai Tango". Her company plans to record all Jin Xing's performances during the French tour.
"It is really a spectacular experience to see Jin's performance, Jin is great and she dances as if she had two bodies and brains - both male and female," said Moreau.
