Water Sleeves (Shui Xiu) as Non-Verbal Performance: Interaction between Costume and Body in Chinese Dance Drama

Dance drama, as a non-verbal form of theatre, conveys its narrative through various theatrical elements, including body language, facial expressions, costumes, props, and lighting. Among these, the interaction between costume and body plays a central role in shaping the visual and emotional impact of performance, yet remains underexplored. This study focuses on the traditional Chinese dance costume element of water sleeves, and, by integrating media theory and semiotic theory, employs qualitative research methods of textual analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to conduct a detailed investigation of water-sleeve movement. It identifies key factors that affect body and costume coordination and highlights the performance techniques needed for their effective integration. The study further reveals how water sleeves serve as both narrative tools and visual extensions of the dancer’s body. By situating the interaction between costume and body as a dynamic system, the research offers practical insights for designers, choreographers, and actors, framing costume not as decoration but as an active agent in rehearsal and performance.