World Dance Photo Workshop #8: Chinese Dance

Join us for our eighth World Dance Photo Workshop. This exclusive series of workshops will give us the opportunity to explore vibrant dance traditions from around the world, all without leaving the SF Bay Area. Each workshop will feature a different style of traditional dance.

Our thrilling next workshop features Chinese dance, both traditional and modern/fusion. From the sweeping elegance of classical Chinese dance to the bold energy of contemporary choreography, this workshop captures a dazzling spectrum of movement, color, and emotion. Flowing silk costumes, dramatic sleeves, vibrant fans, and richly textured fabrics create striking visual compositions, while dynamic leaps, graceful lines, and expressive storytelling bring every frame to life. Participants will have the opportunity to photograph an exciting variety of styles, from delicate, tradition-inspired performances to modern interpretations infused with power, precision, and theatrical flair. The result is a visually immersive experience filled with motion, artistry, and unforgettable moments that challenge and inspire photographers of every level.

For this very special and exclusive workshop, I am thrilled to collaborate with world-class dancer, choreographer, and educator Feng Ye. Ye is a “National First-Class Dancer” in China. She was a seasoned professional, serving as Artistic Director and President of the dance company in the China National Song and Dance Troupe.
As performer, choreographer, and artistic director, her works were presented in the Olympic opening & closing ceremonies three times in 2004, 2008, 2014 respectively.
In the South Bay Area, Ye launched the Feng Ye Dance Studio and Feng Ye Dance Troupe, which for three consecutive years was selected as the only representative of Chinese dance to participate in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. Feng Ye has emerged as an important figure in the region, promoting the integration of dance cultures from multiple ethnic groups.

Ye has chosen two of her most accomplished dancers, Lina Wang and Yijie Zhu, to present a wide range of traditional and contemporary Chinese dance during our workshop. This is an exclusive opportunity to capture exciting work by two amazing dancers directed by a luminary artist on the world stage.

Photographers will shoot in a number of timed rounds, with one photographer shooting at a time. Wardrobe, movement styles, lighting, and/or sets will change between rounds.

We will be using Pocket Wizards to trigger the studio flashes, so bring one if you have one. We do have some to share if you don't already have a pocket wizard.

Bring your camera and a lens that covers a standard zoom range of about 24-70mm and/or a standard prime of about 35 mm or 50mm (full-frame equivalent). Your lens does not have to be fast, as we will be using studio strobe lighting.

Attendees will be provided a promotional usage release. Commercial releases will be available from the models for an additional fee.

You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to photograph these two stunning artists as they present Chinese dance movement in a variety of settings: solo and duo, in a range of gorgeous costumes, and in different dance styles, both traditional and contemporary. We will capture their vibrant artistry using a number of photographic techniques which may include high-key, low-key, colored gels, and long-exposure motion blur.

Looking forward to creating with you at the workshop.

Kyle