<p>Water Reflection Dance Ensemble -- NuShu Edinburgh Festival Fringe 15:00 Dance Base Studio 3 (V22) Dates: 2016 Aug 5-28 (excluding Aug 8, 15 and 22)</p><p>‘NuShu’ (women’s writing) is a coded script once used exclusively by women in Hunan, China to record their private thoughts and feelings. Passed down through both recitation and writing, and in a local dialect that men couldn’t understand, this secret but vivid language was nearly lost. Although in modern times its practical value may have diminished, ‘NuShu’ remains a testimony to the happiness and sadness of real-life experiences. Through it we can sense something of the deeper fabric of being of an earlier age.</p><p>Inspired by its form, culture and stories, and deeply interested in the sorrows and happiness of the women who originated it, Taiwanese choreographer Hui-Chen Tan visited the remote mountain region where ‘NuShu’ was born. She later used this invaluable research to transform written characters into the contours, gestures and silky yet strong movement of her dancers’ bodies. The result is Water Reflection Dance Ensemble’s ‘NuShu’ – featuring dancing that is delicate yet strong, and a performance that is a richly refined and carefully shaded reflection of the beauty, energy and wisdom of women.</p><p>Water Reflection Dance Ensemble First seen at the Fringe in 2013, Water Reflection Dance Ensemble was founded in 2001 in New Taipei City of Taiwan by Choon-lin Lee and Hui-chen Tan. It is oriented towards working with artists from different disciplines on the creation of new performances, but also on educating young dancers. In recognition of the company’s artistry, and the quality of its work, it has repeatedly received subsidy from the CCA Outstanding Performing Arts Stabilization Fund. It has also been selected as one of the Outstanding Performing Groups of New Taipei City. </p><p>--“4 stars” The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2013) --Finalists of the Adelaide Fringe Award-Best Dance (2013) --“4 stars” La Provence & SOLD-OUT Avignon Off Festival (2012) --"The Best Artists by Taishin Arts Award" Taiwan</p>