Keepers of time

The dance show The Twelve Souls of Time is inspired by the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The Twelve Souls of Time continues her idea to pay respect to time, which marks the cycle of life.

"The 24 solar terms and the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are essential parts of Chinese culture, which display the wisdom and philosophy of our ancestors," says Gao. "We want to introduce the ancient culture to the audience through contemporary dance."

Born in Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province, Gao is a member of the Tujia ethnic group.

She has received a number of awards for dancing and choreography both in China and abroad, including the Grand Prix at the International Modern Choreography Competition in Belarus in 1999 for her choreography work Worlds.

She has toured the world with her dance shows.