[Photo provided to China Daily]

"I have never experienced natural disasters but I have watched many Hollywood blockbusters. The visual effects are overwhelming and they inspire me. But in my work I focus on humans," says Yang.

Working with Beijing Dance LDTX, a contemporary dance troupe, Yang has 20 dancers in the show, portraying memories about their homeland, their struggles, their losses and about starting over again.

Yang says that the current work deviates from her past shows, most of which were government supported and mainstream.

"This work is challenging not just for me but also for the audiences," she says.

Willy Tsao, the artistic director of Beijing Dance LDTX, who founded the troupe in 2005, says: "Audiences who are familiar with Yang's works tend to invoke a stereotype. They expect a show with an extravagant stage and a concrete story. However, Yang takes risks in Earth/Quake. I am looking forward to the audience reaction."

She adds: "I enjoy working with an independent contemporary dance troupe. They give me a lot of freedom in the creative process."

She says the dancers who are good at expressing emotions with their body language also inspire her. She adds that the work has evolved after rehearsals and discussions.

"In the show, we not only talk about real natural disasters but also things that strike at your heart, such as losing a job, breaking up or any other depression.

"How do you compose yourself after the disasters? I hope that the audiences can find their own answers."

If you go

8 pm, Nov 4. PLA Theater, 60 Deshengmennei Dajie (Street), Xicheng district, Beijing. 400-610-3721.