'Dancing Beijing': Story behind 2008 Games logo

[Billy]

'Dancing Beijing': Story behind 2008 Games logo
( 2003-08-04 07:20) (China Daily)
www.chinadaily.com.cn

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 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.

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 honour and trust, character and truth.

The Image

Dancing Beijing is the signature of the city. For over 5,000 years, the ancient Chinese art form of calligraphy has expressed the grace and character of the Chinese people, the charm and beauty of its traditions. Inspired by the ancient figure 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.

The Beauty

Dancing Beijing is the colour of China. Red is the most significant colour 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.

The Hero

Dancing Beijing is the spirit of the individual. It is the symbol for very 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 athletes' effort and the artists' vision. Arms flung wide, Dancing Beijing invites the world to share in the city's history, its beauty, its energy, its future.

The Spirit

Dancing Beijing is the form of the 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, the art to the athletes. The fire and light of a people, the boundless spirit of a nation are wrapped in its curves.

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 most populous 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.