Breathing life into artifacts: Dance of Wang Ziwu Ding

I played a part of the Wang Ziwu Ding in this dance. To truly understand this role, one must first immerse himself in the history of the artifact, and understand why it has endured through the ages and stood the test of time. I did some homework and learned that Wang Ziwu, the creator of this tripod, was the son of a King from the Chu State. He crafted seven tripods in total, with this one being the largest and most monumental. As my research deepened, I was overwhelmed by the profoundness of Chinese history and culture.

Photo of Guo Ziming, performer in the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength", during an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

The design of the Ding itself is extraordinary – its three legs are a rarity, in contrast to the common design with four legs. In addition, the vessels were typically crafted with narrowed waists at the time. However, the waist of the Wang Ziwu Ding is drawn in tightly, but the sides flare outward, creating a shape unlike any other.

What’s more, the Wang Ziwu Ding still holds deep symbolic meanings in Henan Province today. In 2022, the Ding was presented at the annual grand ritual celebrating the birth of Emperor Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) in Xinxiang City, the birthplace of the legendary ruler. At the ceremony, five colors of soil were poured into the vessel, reinforcing its place in the Chinese cultural tapestry. Every time the Ding is shown to the public, it serves as a powerful cultural emblem.

Photo of the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

To bring the Wang Ziwu Ding to life through dance, we must embody its weight, its gravitas. It is, after all, an ancient artifact, carrying centuries of history within its form. We must channel this historical depth into our performance. In choreographing the dance, we avoided gestures that look too light. When we squat, for example, the movement must be deliberate, grounded, and powerful – anchored in the soil beneath us. We are not floating; our movements are deeply rooted in the earth, from where a quiet but formidable force is radiated.

As we perform, each of us must get fully immersed in our role, envisioning ourselves as part of the Ding itself. The challenge of the trio dance lies in the need for flawless coordination – even one dancer’s sloppiness would ruin the entire piece. Thus, mental focus is paramount: each dancer must remain calm and concentrated, focusing not only on the precision of movement, but also the cultural essence they are expressing.

Photo of the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo of the dance production "Ding, A Symbol of Strength". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)The performance is full of shifts in posture and transitions. We stand still at the beginning to express a unified, powerful stance. Slowly, we begin to transition into lively parts, yet each motion carries the weight of the Ding’s history and the stories it embodies. The dance weaves through various formations – sometimes one dancer steps forward, while the others remain behind. As the dance nears its end, we reunite in a final display of unity, strength, and uplifting energy.

As a performer, the opportunity to portray diverse roles – especially to breathe life into an ancient artifact – is both a tremendous challenge and a profound honor. When portraying human characters, exaggerated movements may be necessary for dramatic effects; to portray an artifact, one must fully understand its historical context. We cannot approach such a role with empty artistic fancy, for the audience will see through it. This performance has deepened my love for China’s rich history and cultural relics, and I now feel an intimate connection to these ancient treasures, as if they have become a part of me.

Contributed by Guo Ziming, performer in the dance production “Ding, A Symbol of Strength”.