Clothes Grace the Dance

The dazzling costumes in NTDTV's Chinese NewUnited States, I saw it was very difficult to find
Year Spectacular are as much a part of eachany expression of traditional Chinese culture.
dance as the dance movements themselves.Through this show I see the hope of being able
They are, in many ways, the palette on whichto preserve my culture for the benefit of my
the dance is performed. Clothes, hair, colors-this isdaughter and the next generation."
what transports us to the Divine Land of ancientMs. Lee has worked in the fashion industry for
China.more than twenty years. She was a professor of
The Spectacular's wardrobe designers put greatfashion design and fashion history in China.
effort into creating just the right effect. AAlthough her costumes take inspiration from
costume starts with a concept of the dance. Thedifferent dynasties and ethnic regions, her favorite
dance may have a powerful story or be found indynasty is the Tang. She says the Tang Dynasty
a specific dynasty. Designers pore over paintings,reflects the zenith of Chinese culture-artistically,
frescoes and even statues to find the right look.economically and politically. During this time China
Accessories then come into the design-hair,was very open-minded. Prosperous and peaceful,
shoes, hats, belts. Next come sketches. Designersthe Tang Dynasty drew on influences from India,
must consider not only how an outfit looks butthe Middle East and Europe.
also its flexibility for dance movements andAccording to Ms. Lee, all this is reflected in the
whether it is durable enough to withstand overclothes. "The clothes were rich and confident.
eighty performances.They were uplifting," she said. "Women wore
Then the sketch goes to the sewing workshop.large, open sleeves, sometimes up to two and a
Here garment makers select just the right fabric,half feet wide. They wore see-through materials
make the pattern and produce a sample. If it'sand gowns with high waists that were decorated
not just right, the whole process starts over. Ifwith large, open flowers."
the sample is approved, the task of making theEach dynasty had its own characteristics that
clothes begins. Multiply this countless times. Awere likewise reflected in the clothes. In general,
single dance in this year's Spectacular, the danceMs. Lee says everything can be found in the
drama of General Yue Fei, required more thanclothes-even the ancient people's morals and
100 costumes and accessories.values. "Clothing isn't just a way to cover the
For Amy Lee, the principal designer in New York,body. It also reflects a person's thoughts, culture
this effort is well worth it. "When I came to theand respect for the gods.