Chinese Body Rhythm Basic Movements (身韵）—— Integrating breath and movements

Shenyun (身韵)

is the core aesthetic and movement language of Chinese classical dance. With an emphasis on breath-led flow and musicality of the body, this practice cultivates expressive subtlety, emotional contrast, and refined control.

Body rhythm practice as a part of the physical theater training at NIPAI Intensive in Berlin. Helping actors integrate breathing into movements

身韵审美规律 Chinese Body Rhythm Aesthetic Principles

形、神、劲、律、气、意

Form, expressive intent, force (subtle strength with directional momentum), rhythm (physical musicality), Qi (breath-driven energy and continuous flow), and artistic intention.

基本动势 Basic movement/ Energy path

「平圓、立圓、八字圓」

flat circle, standing circle, figure 8 circle (infinite loop circle)

Video Resources

Movement Principles with Hands

• Initiation with waist

• 身带手：The torso initiates the arm movement.

• 身让手：The body yields or adjusts to accommodate the hand's path.

• 身推手：The body subtly pushes or fuels the hand’s direction.

盘坐拆解动作练习 Sitting position Basic Move Exercise

Chinese Classical Dance Body Rhythm Basic Movements

1. 提沉 (tí chén) - “Rise and Sink” This refers to the controlled alternation between lifting (提) and releasing/downward sinking (沉) of the torso or limbs. It's not merely physical but also energetic — conveying a breath-like wave, an inner pulse.

美学意图 (Aesthetic intent)：Control, rootedness, elasticity — like breath moving through the spine.

2. 冲靠 (chōng kào) - “Thrust/ rush forward and Lean back”

冲 is a forward release of energy — not aggression, but a directed expansion.

靠 is a yielding backward motion, like leaning into something invisible but supportive.

美学意图 (Aesthetic intent)：Contrast of proactive and receptive energies; internal rhythm of assertiveness and softness.

3. 含腆 (hán tiǎn) - “Withdraw and Reveal”

含 is a backward movement with rounded spine, dropped head, and exhalation, the energy is inward. This motion embodies a soft retreat — as if pulling one’s presence into the inner world. The dancer breathes out, and the gesture quietly disappears into space.

腆 is a forward-reaching movement with lengthened spine, lifted head, and direct gaze. The body opens toward the audience. The body opens like a flower facing the sun — not to impress, but to exist fully. It holds both presence and humility.

美学意图 (Aesthetic intent): The contrast between a soft retreat into the inner world and a courageous revelation toward the external one.

4. 横移 (héng yí) - “Horizontal Gliding”

A lateral movement of the torso. The movement is smooth, like silk being drawn across a surface. When do it in the standing position, it is often done with weight shifting.

美学意图 (Aesthetic intent)：Continuity, lateral space awareness, and flow. It holds emotional balance and elegance.

5. 云肩转腰 (yún jiān zhuǎn yāo) - “Cloud-like Shoulder with Waist Rotation”

A combination of the previous dissected movements.

A fluid spiral initiated from the waist, echoed through soft shoulder motion, evoking floating and grace. Internal energy draws the torso, and brings the upper body along into a soft vortex.

July, 2025