English Rendering
Melodies of "Green Water" ripple from the strings so bright,
Long sleeves twirl like a phoenix in circling flight.
A pair of dancers move as one, in rhythm's embrace,
As if reflected in a mirror's perfect grace.
Ode to the Dance
- Poetry of Yu Shinan
《咏舞》
Original Text (中文原文)
繁弦奏渌水，长袖转回鸾。
一双俱应节，还似镜中看。
Analysis & Context
This poem was composed during a grand banquet in the Tang court. Yu Shinan, a trusted official of Emperor Taizong and celebrated for his literary talent, frequently participated in such court gatherings. During this period, court music and dance flourished, with pieces like "Green Water" (《渌水》 Lù Shuǐ) and "Circling Phoenix" (《回鸾》 Huí Luán) being particularly popular for their exquisite and graceful performances. Yu Shinan wrote this piece to capture the scene, using concise yet vivid language to depict the harmony between the dancers and the music, as well as their perfectly synchronized movements, showcasing the elegant beauty of early Tang court art.
Reader's Companion
The Essence of the Verse
Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.
Reading Between the Lines
Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.
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