Editor's Note: 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as we celebrate its 10th anniversary. Experts from various fields have shared their experiences and insights on this initiative, as a key pillar of the global community of a shared future.

Chongqing - In commemorating the 10th anniversary of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Chongqing Ballet Troupe shares their stories as they have bridged cultural divides through a unique fusion of ballet and storytelling. With their groundbreaking original modern ballet, The Pursuit of Shangri-La, the troupe aims to share their artistic journey with audiences worldwide.

The ballet tells a compelling story that transcends language and cultural boundaries, with performances that occur across various cities in China and European countries such as Spain and France. Through artistic exchanges, the Chongqing Ballet Troupe has beautifully woven the hearts of people along the Belt and Road countries and regions together.

One of the talented troupe dancers, Chang Zhixu, who plays the role of "Huashang" in The Pursuit of Shangri-La, shared his journey and experiences. Chang, who began his ballet training at the age of nine, spent 18 years honing his craft before achieving his dream of joining the Chongqing Ballet Troupe. 

He said, "After 18 years of practicing, I finally got into my dream studio, Chongqing Ballet Troupe. I play the role of 'Huashang' in the ballet show. About The Pursuit of Shangri-La, our troupe went on a tour to Spain. All of our dancers were super excited, hoping to present Chinese elements to western countries."

The Pursuit of Shangri-La has already seen over a hundred performances both in China and abroad. Notable highlights include embarking on a commercial tour with 17 shows in Spain and France in 2015 and conducting 16 commercial performances in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, Spain, in 2017.

The Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Chongqing Ballet Troupe, Liu Jun, added, "I believe Shangri-La is an international theme. There is no equivalence for 'The Land of Peach Blossoms' in English, but in English, there is Shangri-La. The theme of Shangri-La is also compatible with the overall style of ballet dancing. They're both beautiful and elegant."

The performance incorporates various Chinese folk dances into ballet, adding a distinctive national touch to the production. 

 "Because of the Belt and Road Initiative, we ballet dancers are given many more opportunities. I believe that the production of an artwork must go through many challenges to stand the test of time and win the hearts of the audiences. The audiences are brought closer to us, and we could go on tour abroad and reach more international audiences. Those are some opportunities the Belt and Road Initiative has brought us," added Liu.