ENNEAGRAM: BEINGS OF LIGHT

Contemporary Dance Choreographed by Bei Qi and WUDC Dancers

2023, Edison Theater, Washington University in St. Louis

Enneagram: Beings of Light is a contemporary dance performance developed with dancers from the Washington University Dance Company, a group Qi herself danced with for four years. Drawing from the Enneagram, a psychological framework that outlines nine personality types, Qi auditioned dancers through guided prompts, selecting individuals whose movements embodied the essence of each type. Working with their improvised and prompt-driven responses, she wove their gestures into a structure that melds individuality into large choreographic shapes. The final piece unfolds in eleven parts: an introduction, nine sections that highlight each dancer’s inner world, and a conclusion that brings the ensemble into collective harmony. At the heart of the work is the belief that by understanding our patterns, our defense mechanisms, vulnerabilities, and strengths, we illuminate the path back to our true selves. To accompany the performance, Qi created nine distinct wearable sculptures, each reflecting the emotional terrain of its corresponding type. She mixed the instrumental music of Sleeping at Last’s Atlas: Enneagram instrumental music to accompany the nine minute performance.

Photos captured and edited by Danny Reise