Brisbane Festival 2009 presents Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan’s Moon Water, following outstanding international success. Using light, shadow and reflection, Moon Water combines meditation, tai-chi, martial arts and Chinese opera movement with modern dance. The result is a stunning and spiritual theatrical work of art.

The black stage floor contrasts against the dancers’ costumes, reflected by mirrors hung in midair and upstage. An illusion of a celestial landscape is created when water seeps onto the stage towards the end of the performance, reflecting the dancing bodies against the wall of mirrors, as though they are moving through clouds.

This extraordinary production is accompanied by selections of Bach's Six Suites for Solo Cello recorded by Russian Cellist Mischa Maisky. But rather than contrasting the modern and classical components, Moon Water melds movement and music so perfectly it seems Bach’s Suites were waiting for Lin Hwai-min’s meditative masterpiece.

Choreographed by artistic director Lin Hwai-min, one of the world's master choreographers who this year was honoured with the International Movimentos lifetime achievement award, Cloud Gate’s Moon Water is exclusive to Brisbane Festival 2009.

Photo: Liu Chen-Hsiang

Teachers Resources for Moon Water available here.