Jade Dance

She closed her doors to visitors and immersed herself in the texts of the opera world. She learned posture and vocal style, distinguished sheng, dan, jing, and mo. Mornings were spent chanting modes and tones; evenings, practicing steps and patterns. At first, she grasped only the form, not the spirit. Powder and rouge could mimic famed performers' appearances, yet likeness of body did not grant likeness of soul.