Elapse

A meditative and powerful experience. Choreographer Disha Zhang's "Elapse" is a visually stunning work that explores the themes of aging and the passage of time. The piece premiered in 2019 as part of Houston Ballet's 50th anniversary season and marked Zhang's first choreographic commission for the company. Drawing on her background in Chinese Dance, Zhang brings her poetic vision to life through intricate movement and creative vision. Set to Zeng Xiogang's original score, the music combines natural sounds like rain and wind with electronic and acoustic elements reminiscent of traditional Chinese music. The dancer's movements are calm, precise, and organic, capturing the emotional depth of Zhang's poem: If the clock could turn back, let it take me away; If time was more forgiving, goodbyes and sorrows would disappear. A stranger gazes at you, coming towards you freely; If only I could be like you, never looking back. If time were me, time will weep; If I were the time, may the past never be seen.