I’ve known Green Space since my undergraduate days at Queens College. I remember when Valerie came to teach a master class and shared what Green Space had to offer. Since then, I’ve rehearsed and created multiple dance pieces there, and it has become a special place for me. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to present Portraits of the Moon as part of Take Root at Green Space this time.
The audience can expect to see six incredibly dynamic dancers bring the stage to life. The choreography is designed to be intricate and fluid, with circular gestures that mirror the mysterious, ever-changing nature of the moon. I’ve also woven in rich lunar-themed narratives that reflect the cyclical rhythms of life—those moments of connection, separation, and reunion that are such a deep part of our human experience.
This work is deeply personal to me. The moon holds great significance in Chinese culture and has been a strong influence in my upbringing. With Portraits of the Moon, I’m exploring themes that are close to my heart: connection to family, the experience of separation and reunion, and nostalgic memories of home. I also draw from the classic mythology of Chang E and Houyi, as well as poems from renowned Chinese poets across different dynasties.
In school, I studied poems written by Chinese poets centuries ago, many of which centered around the moon. The moon often symbolized their longing for home, family, loved ones, and friends. These poets, separated by war or political turmoil, expressed their loneliness while gazing at the full moon on cold nights, wishing they could admire it alongside their loved ones. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of those emotions, but I still felt a strong resonance. My family was never "complete" either, as my parents weren’t with me.
From a young age, I was separated from my parents, and that feeling of the moon never being full stayed with me. During the Moon Festival, a time when families traditionally gather to celebrate under the full moon—much like Thanksgiving in the U.S.—I felt their absence more acutely. I believe this sentiment is shared by many. As human beings, migration is part of our lives, whether by choice or circumstance. Separation and reunion become recurring themes in our stories.
Having the opportunity to present Portraits of the Moon with full production support is incredibly meaningful to me. We were fortunate to have access to Green Space’s beautiful studio, which provided the perfect environment to explore and research movement ideas at an affordable rate. As a Queens-based artist, I’m deeply grateful for Green Space’s presence in the community—it’s become a home for me and many other dance artists. I’m especially thankful for the grant they provided to support the creation and presentation of this work. As an emerging, independent choreographer, that kind of support is invaluable. It’s allowed me to fairly compensate my dancers and collaborators, which means a lot in ensuring that everyone involved feels valued and supported.
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Valerie Green for her unwavering leadership in the dance community and her commitment to supporting aspiring artists like myself. Her dedication has created a space where creativity can thrive, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities she’s made possible.
See Jiemin’s work PORTRAITS OF THE MOON this month at Take Root
October 18th-19th, 8pm at Green Space
Photos by Howard Sherman
