Portraits of the Moon

Portraits of the Moon is an evocative contemporary dance project that explores the moon's profound symbolism in Chinese culture and examines the theme of separation, reunion, and home among Asian immigrant communities in America. Inspired by ancient lunar myths, poetry, and the personal journeys of Asian immigrants, this innovative production weaves together movement, text, and music to create a mesmerizing performance. By honoring Chinese cultural heritage and illuminating the experiences of immigrants within Asian communities, Portraits of the Moon celebrates diverse identities and invites audiences to connect deeply and reflect on their own cultural roots and stories.

Choreography: Jiemin Yang in collaboration with dancers

Dancers: Carl Ponce Cubero, Kathy Chen, Maya Lam, Tsubasa Nishioka, Richard Sayama, Mayu Yamashita

Original Compositions: James Acampora,, Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Yen-Nien Hsu, Da Xu
Additional music: Denis Pavlov Music, Chinese Zither music by Wei Sun
Costume Designer: Emily Hsieh

Vocal/Voice Over: Shan Y. Chuang, Timmy Ong, and the interviewees

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall. This project is also made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts. This project is supported by Mertz Gilmore Late Stage Stipend facilitated by Green Space. This work was created with the support of the Redtail Artist Residencies in association with the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning and the generosity of individual donors. 

Premiered in October 2024 as a part of Take Root at Green Space

Photo: Michael Yu