Rave Arcave is a unique title for a unique project in the world of dance.

The new performance concept was born in China, developed in Europe, and now embraces the whole world.

Cross cultural concept

Rave Arcave takes its influence from ancient sites in Dunhuang, a major merchant hub on the Silk Road dating back to 1600 BCE. The caves housed manuscripts and the earliest printed book. They were home to literature and a meeting place for different cultures.

Three and half thousand years later, Chinese curator Jiaying Gao has put a modern twist on that mix, to include worldwide influences.

This production had its premiere at the Museum of Flamenco Dance in Seville on Chinese National Day.

Jiaying Gao told CGTN Europe the entire production was put together in less than four months.

‘’Yes, my original idea was coming from the Dunhuang cave. I really wanted to see what other caves could have this kind of comparability. To accommodate all this culture to accommodate all this richness, so it would all come together.’’

Spain: A perfect home

It found its perfect home at Seville's Museum of Flamenco dance, with its intimate surroundings, low ceilings and great acoustics. 

The performances here draw on the influences of many different cultures, histories and religions, with dance styles starting in Asia, crossing to Africa and finally Europe, with a passionate, contemporary twist on a Spanish classic - flamenco

The African section of the recital is performed by Anani Dodji Sanouvi, a Trans-media Artist from Togo.

He told CGTN Europe his performance was inspired by the earthy spiritual sounds of his Éwé ethnic tribe.

‘’To be part of this, is kind of contributing to something which started many years ago with our ancestors. In different places geographically, on a different continent. These people were really related to nature. On a different level, in a different way, with different ontologies.’’

Jiaying Gao meanwhile, is hoping to bring this live event across Europe and beyond.

Who knows, maybe it could even return to its origins in the caves on the silk road, coming full circle, back to Dunhuang in China.

Cover picture: Jiaying Gao, the curator of the production, performing at the Museum of Flamenco Dance in Seville. CGTN