The Rite of Spring is an important piece of music and its accompanied ballet is significant in the development of modern dance. The latest version by Wu Chien-Wei is a remarkable rendition of the original version.

Based on the ballet with the same name with the score penned by Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, this particular version is a solo dance rendition, a daunting effort considering the ballet usually has a significant company of both male and female dancers ritualistically celebrating the coming of spring. The joy of the moment shifts shockingly when one maiden is chosen to be sacrificed by dancing herself to death to the gods of spring. When the ballet was first staged, it caused riots and upheaval for its Avant Garde and groundbreaking music and choreography. 

Choreographed and performed by Wu, it was first devised in 2020, premiering shortly before the Covid pandemic started sweeping the globe, which seems an apt reflection to the almost apocalyptic nature of Stravinsky’s score. Although Wu’s performance is not a traditional ballet as such, he more than honors the original with his interpretation. 

Jagged and unpredictable, the piece is astounding. Wu’s skill is clearly second to none with Wu appropriately meeting the intensity of the music without a lapse in his energy. The almost frenetic heaviness of his dancing accurately reflects the weight of the music. The ballet has very serious tones of sacrifice and ritualistic dance, something that Wu’s performance reflects magnificently. A use of flowers and on-stage costume changes seamlessly flows from one stage of the story to another, portraying dizzying highs and shattering lows in mere moments. 

It is such a joy to be thrilled by such an exemplary dancer and their dedication to their work. Wu’s interpretation of Stravinsky’s work is exceptional and elating.