According to an ancient Chinese creation myth, the universe was once a big black egg which carried the first living being, Pan-gu.
Feeling suffocated, Pan-gu used an axe to crack the egg, which contained all the elements of the universe. The white of the egg floated up to form heaven, while the yolk formed Earth.
When Pan-gu died, his eyes turned into the sun and moon, while wind and clouds formed from his breath. His voice became rolling thunder and his sweat turned into rain that nurtured the earth.
The legend is just one of many fables about creation. The colourful tales from around the world have been a subject of fascination for award-winning choreographer Helen Lai.
In her work In the Beginning, she attempts to find a new interpretation of our ancient past.
Presented by the City Contemporary Dance Company, it features Lai's unique choreography in a cocktail of movement, ethnic music and narration.