By Lucy Komisar.

Dance programs always tell you what movements really mean. Poetic descriptions. But of course what matters is how you react to the movements.

So this production by “Taiwan Season: Trace of Belief” at the Edinburgh Fringe choreographed by Hsieh Yi-Chun is inspired by memories of ­­­temple processions and personal memories, including faith in a changing world, collective ritual vs individual will. Okay to see the dance through that prism. But I love this company’s dance.

  Figures with baggy pants sway back and forth in unison. They move together, pull apart. Sounds are water running, cymbals. You see people working in unison, step and twist. Bent feet are flexed, makes you think of stylized Asian forms.

The music is Chinese, instrument and cymbals. Men with fans do martial arts steps. There are slow swaying twisting connections. Some dancers wear feather fans or headdresses. One is a bird that falls.

There is a hunt. A creature is created by two dancers. A bird fan hangs from mouth of one. They twist. Seem like animals. Or birds. Drums and cymbals clash.

All smart, engrossing, pulls you into the fantasy, all very fine choreography by Hsieh Yi-Chun.

“Taiwan Season: Trace of Belief.” Assembly Festival, Dance Base, 14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Runtime 45min. July 31 to August 24, 2025.