Chinese performing arts company Nai-Ni-Chen presented a series of seven dances Tuesday night at the Clarence Brown Theatre.

Combining elements of traditional Chinese dance with modern interpretation, a cast of nine performers enacted dances entitled Incense, Raindrops and Love Song of Xishuangbanna.

"It was very colorful," said Joanna Nyland, a UT student and spectator of the event.  She cited the dance entitled Peacock Dance as her favorite part of the show, noting that the costumes were excellent.

Another UT student, Jocelyn Simpson, also enjoyed the show.  "Some of [the dances]...were really violent, and some of them were really happy," said Simpson, adding that the show incorporated "a lot of Tai Chi moves."

Nai-Ni-Chen appeared as part of the current program of the Cultural Attractions Committee, with members of the CAC attending and facilitating the event.  According to Meredith Whitfield, the chair of the CAC, the committee chose Nai-Ni-Chen to further diversify its program repertoire.

During the show, the dances were performed on an empty stage, with a monochromatic background that highlighted the performer's movements.  The dances incorporated gymnastics, hand fans, streamers, and flags, with each dance representing a scene from Chinese culture.

Morgan Hardy, a member of the CAC who attended the event, stated that the dance moves were "made to look like Chinese calligraphy."

Nai-Ni-Chen also coincided with the International House's Chinese Culture Week, which continues through Thursday.