The Circular Motion System is a pioneering body movement technique developed by Tao Ye and Duan Ni, founders and Artistic Directors of Tao Dance Theater. Deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy and refined through their personal dance practice, this system represents their unique approach to movement.

  Core Principles:

  Simplicity: They advocate for simplifying the complex body in dance. Within the Circular Motion System, both keep their hair cropped short to amplify spatial awareness of the back of the head and the spine during movement.

  Neutral Body: They champion a gender-neutral body, believing movement transcends male/female distinctions. Men can embody softness and subtlety; women can embody strength and power. The body is viewed as inherently equal and inclusive.

  Internal Focus over External Form: Training spaces intentionally lack mirrors. The Circular Motion System treats each body as its own mirror. Through mutual observation and dancing together, dancers achieve an internal-to-external refraction, fostering a resonant connection between moving individuals.

Unity of Body, Mind, and Universe: Tao Ye and Duan Ni view the body, mind, and all things as interconnected. They shift focus from dance as momentary poses to emphasizing continuous, sustained processes. By constructing internal and external geometric patterns within the body's space and experiencing rotation at every bodily axis, they create compass-like circular motions.