Even after our entire 2012 season, my favorite dance still remains Flower Fairies. From the moment we were introduced to the choreography to the last time I wore the costume on stage, I’ve always been in love with this piece. 

The dance’s heavenly regalia has captivated me from the beginning. But as tour got underway, I started liking the dance itself more and more. 

Seventeen ladies fill the stage in bright dresses with long sleeves. These aren’t the typical flowing sleeves of traditional Chinese dress. They are “butterfly sleeves,” like a poncho for the arms, and can be quite hard to get into.     

Pink floral patterns decorate both the sleeves and hem of the dress. A dark green and deep blue outward-facing corset with silver embroidery contrasts the dress’s soft colors. On the center of the belt sits a gold ring with a pink sash hanging down.

A costume’s headpiece is like the "cherry on top"—it's a special detail that makes a dancer's outfit complete. We flower fairies wear a pink blossom, like a peony. There is also a silver jewel, dangling down to the forehead from two bead strings.

The curtain opens to a mystical scene of thick white clouds with blue mountains in the distant background. As the full stage is revealed, a few fairies are spotted in the clouds. Suddenly, more maidens in gorgeous pink attire emerge from beneath the sea of white. Throughout the dance, I feel like I’m floating on clouds high in the heavens. 

We glide across the sky with fan shen turns and flower formations. As the dance ends, a beautiful celestial bloom appears on the projection. 

This was the first time for Shen Yun to use these butterfly sleeves in a costume. They give an effect of floating, flowing, flying. 

With new dances every year, I can’t wait to fall in love with another dance (and its costume!) in our upcoming season.

June 1, 2012