Jacie Wang (Wang Jie-Xi) began her training at age 10 at the Beijing Opera Conservatory in 1958. Her training was similar to other students studying there. However after a year's training, teachers of the conservatory would delegate roles, which suited each student thus determining roles, which they would ultimately play in the future. Jacie's training focused on the role of "Dan" or a woman's role. During the next eight years, training focused on the music, lyrics, costuming and movement for "ching yee" - a role which was more feminine, ladylike and which emphasized singing. She would also develop skills for other female roles (flirtatious woman, woman warrior).

After completing her training, Jacie traveled through out China performing with the Beijing Opera Troupe. She then immigrated in 1981 to the USA and has continued to perform in Beijing opera performances In the San Francisco/Greater Bay Area. She also brought with her a desire to create and teach this traditional art to older and younger generations of Asians but also to share and increase the cultural awareness of this art form to the Western world. Along with traditional teachings, Jacie combines the grace of dance into many of her performances, In classic opera, the acrobatics performed were extremely strenuous and requires much training and skill but by also applying dance movements, she has been able to bring an aesthetic balance to this classic art form.

The dance performance depicted in this photo essay is based on the opera "The Legend of the White Serpent." In this scene of the "River War", a battle ensues between a monk who has deceived the husband of his wife's true nature - as a White Serpent. Believing these lies, he hides in the temple. The monk then summons the soldiers of the heavens to battle the White Serpent, her servant, the Green Serpent and with the creatures of the River. In the White Serpent's attempt to bring her husband home, she is defeated as she was pregnant with child.

I hope to bring to you a glimpse of Chinese Beijing opera, which has traditionally captured the imagination of generations through China and worldwide. As Jacie seeks to keep the art form alive outside of China through her performances and teachings, I also hope to show the beauty of this art form from behind the scenes through these photographs.

Nancy Chee