5

Created in 2013

Choreography | Tao Ye

Music | Xiao He

Lightning Design | Ma Yue,Tao Ye

Costume Design | Duan Ni,Tao Ye,Li Min

Duration|30 min

Premiere | 3 July 2013, Julidans Festival, Amsterdam ,NL

《5》 emerges as the next evolution in Tao Ye’s "Numerical Series" following 《4》. With new dancers joining the ensemble, the choreographer advances his principle of "complexity distilled into simplicity," deepening his investigation into relational dynamics between moving bodies.

In this work, five dancers maintain continuous physical connection—an inseparable entity weaving through space like braided cords. Their bodies knot, unravel, and recombine through sustained weight-sharing, generating infinite transformations as they traverse the stage. This entanglement evolves into kinetic architecture—stacking, collapsing, rebuilding—unfolding limitless possibilities of spatial construction within self-imposed constraints.

Composer Xiao He integrates the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) into an auditory cosmos. His score juxtaposes cosmic frequencies with esoteric chants, Baroque intricacy against Neoclassical clarity, creating a "visual symphony" where metamorphosis and permanence resonate in counterpoint.

Tao Ye reflects:"This work mirrors how humans perceive reality. Some find joy and hope; others sense despair. What I see is a cosmic order—like all beings in existence: diverse in form yet bound by interdependence, governed by universal rhythms. Whether I live or humanity perishes, the universe thrives in ceaseless regeneration. Life’s force erupts without end. Such is the law."