Dancing Beijing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dancing Beijing is the name of the official emblem of the 2008 Summer Olympics, to be held in Beijing in the People's Republic of China. It was unveiled in August 2003 in a ceremony attended by 2,008 people at Qi Nian Dian—the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing's Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven).
The emblem draws on various elements of Chinese culture, depicting a traditional red Chinese seal above the words "Beijing 2008" and the Olympic rings. The seal is inscribed with a stylised calligraphic rendition of the Chinese character 京 (jing, from the name of the host city) in the form of a dancing figure. The curves are also claimed to suggest the body of a wriggling Chinese dragon. The open arms of the figure symbolise the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. Red, the dominant colour of the emblem, is an important colour in Chinese society, often signifying good luck.
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[edit] Unveiling Ceremony
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge delivered an address at the unveiling ceremony saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people." Rogge continued, "In this emblem, I saw the promise and potential of a New Beijing and a Great Olympics. This is a milestone in the history of your Olympic quest. As this new emblem becomes known around the world and, as it takes its place at the centre of your Games, we are confident that it will achieve the stature of one of the best and most meaningful symbols in Olympic history."
[edit] Symbolism
During its unveiling, the 2008 Summer Olympics organisers introduced the emblem with the message, "Behind every symbol, there is a story. This is the story of a country opening its gates to the future. The story of a city reaching out to embrace all humanity. The story of a people inviting the world to join their dance, experience their culture, and share their joy. This is Dancing Beijing: the symbol of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games."
The organisers continued to explain the emblem's symbolism in the following terms.
[edit] The Journey
Dancing Beijing is the journey to the future—As the emblem for China's journey toward the 2008 Olympic Games, Dancing Beijing reveals the heart of an ancient culture embracing the modern world, the spirit of a people moving toward a new destiny. Dancing Beijing captures the soul of a city in transformation, a nation on the move. Its motion conveys a message of hope, an invitation to joy and a promise of unity.
[edit] The Promise
Dancing Beijing is the seal of the nation—The Chinese seal has remained the standard of commitment in Chinese culture for thousands of years, serving as a signature and personal pledge. Dancing Beijing is the seal of the 2008 Olympic Games—the promise Beijing makes to the world to stage an Olympic Games unlike any the world has known. A promise rooted in honor and trust, character and truth.
[edit] The Image
Dancing Beijing is the signature of the city—For over 5,000 years, the ancient artform of calligraphy has expressed the grace and character of the Chinese people, the charm and beauty of its traditions. Inspired by the ancient character for Beijing, the new image of China's Olympic quest turns the city into a dancing athlete, beckoning a cultural exchange between East and West. In the graceful sweep of the calligrapher's hand, the image of a New Beijing is born.
[edit] The Beauty
Dancing Beijing is the color of China—Red is the most significant color in Chinese culture, the most enchanting. The depth of its meaning equals the depth of its beauty. Red breathes life into Dancing Beijing. Its energy is unceasing. It is celebration, luck and new beginnings.
[edit] The Hero
Dancing Beijing is the spirit of the individual—It is the symbol for every Olympian, every performer, every volunteer, and every spectator, everyone who will dance at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In its magical mix of sport and culture, Dancing Beijing celebrates the athlete's effort and the artist's vision. Arms flung wide, Dancing Beijing invites the world to share in the city's history, its beauty, its energy, its future.
[edit] The Spirit
Dancing Beijing is the form of the Chinese dragon—Just as the dragon's sinuous curves and dynamic nature reflect the ancient beauty and majesty of Chinese culture. In its fluid arcs, Dancing Beijing binds the past to the future, the power to the promise, and the art to the athlete. The fire and light of a people, the boundless spirit of a nation are wrapped in its curves.
[edit] The Invitation
Dancing Beijing is an invitation—a hand extended to welcome the world to China for a celebration destined to unite humanity as never before. For the world's largest nation, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are the ultimate gesture of friendship, a global expression of hope that the community of nations will dance with Beijing and join its dream of a world united in peace through sport.
