Features of Chinese dance symbolism: history and modernity

Abstract

The article examines the symbolism of Chinese dance in historical and contemporary artistic and educational contexts. Chinese dance is interpreted not only as a technically refined and visually spectacular form of stage art, but also as a system of cultural meanings connected with ritual, mythology, philosophy, music, theatre, poetry, painting, and choreographic practice. The relevance of the study lies in the need to overcome a superficial perception of Chinese dance as an exotic or decorative phenomenon and to reveal its deeper symbolic content.
The article identifies the main groups of symbols in Chinese dance: mythological, zoomorphic, floral, natural, spatial, colouristic, gesture-based, and object-related symbols. Particular attention is paid to such images as the dragon, lion, peacock, lotus, peony, fan, sword, silk sleeve, circle, and spiral. It is emphasized that symbolism in Chinese dance is not an external decorative element, but an internal principle of constructing the choreographic image.
Chinese dance reflects the traditions of national culture. The dancer’s body is considered the main bearer of symbolic meaning. Gesture, gaze, breathing, hand-eye coordination, direction of movement, inner energy, and the quality of plastic transition shape not only the external pattern of dance, but also its spiritual and emotional content. The concepts of jing, qi, shen, and yun are interpreted as indicators of the unity of technique, energy, inner state, and artistic expressiveness.
The educational significance of studying Chinese dance symbolism is substantiated. In art education, this issue helps students perceive dance not as a mechanical sequence of movements, but as a system of artistic meanings. It is emphasized that understanding the symbolic nature of Chinese choreography contributes to the development of intercultural competence, artistic and analytical thinking, and the ability to interpret choreographic images within their cultural context. Special attention is paid to the relationship between the symbolism of Chinese dance and traditional philosophical ideas concerning harmony between human beings and nature, spiritual self-improvement, and the inner energy of movement.