Chongqing—In a powerful rehearsal scene at Chongqing Guotai Art Center, dancers strain against ropes, rhythmically dragging the wreckage of a downed Japanese warplane across the stage. This gripping moment is part of Chongqing Ballet's ongoing refinement of its original production, Red Shoes, now in its 5.0 version, preparing for its upcoming national debut.

Women's group dance in rehearsal. (Photo/He Qingyu)

The performance has gained distinctive recognition as the only ballet selected among 22 outstanding stage works for China's "Remembering History, Honoring Heroes, Cherishing Peace, and Creating the Future" thematic exhibition in Beijing. The exhibition commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Literary advisor Zhou Yong, honorary president of the Chongqing History Research Association, attributes the ballet's success to three key factors, "Its compelling theme set against global and national historical context, its inspiration from the virtuous legacy of Chinese dance pioneer Dai Ailian, and its authentic Chongqing identity."

Poster of Red Shoes. (Provided by the interviewee)

The production tells the story of "Lian," a patriotic ballet artist based on Dai Ailian, who abandoned her comfortable life abroad to return to China during the war, using dance as a form of resistance and national advocacy. Dai, regarded as the "Mother of Chinese Dance," established many of China's first dance institutions and experienced her artistic transformation in wartime Chongqing.

Artistic Director Liu Jun, who also serves as the production's chief director, shared her personal connection to the project, "Having received encouragement from Dame Dai Ailian at critical moments in my own career, creating this work represents both tribute to a role model and relevant historical exploration for contemporary audiences."

The ballet innovatively merges Western ballet techniques with Chinese traditional dances, including Xiushan lantern dance, Miao ethnic dance, Tibetan dance, and Uyghur dance. Since its 2023 premiere, the production has performed 90 shows nationwide and is approaching its 100th performance this September.

The dancers are full of power. (Photo/Zhou Shuangshuang)

Principal dancer Li Siyu, who portrays protagonist "Lian," describes the role as challenging but deeply meaningful. "She's the 'heroine' of a war-torn era whose every gesture must convey tremendous strength. Dancing the ruins scene, where she performs amid destruction wearing a red dress, always fills me with emotion," Li remarked during rehearsals.

Fellow principal Yang Chencheng, who plays Communist Party member "Xuan," finds philosophical depth in his role: "Through powerful physical expression, I can convey the enduring spirit of faith that sustained people during those difficult times."

Rehearsal scene. (Photo/He Qingyu)

With tickets for their August 22nd Chongqing performance already sold out and limited availability for the 23rd, the company continues intensive rehearsals before their Beijing debut. Despite working seven-hour days in the summer heat, the dancers remain committed to perfecting a production that has become a cultural landmark for Chongqing and a testament to China's ballet development.

The company's rehearsal wall bears the aspirational motto: "Mountain City Dance, Ballet on Toe" – a declaration of Chongqing Ballet's ambition to establish itself as a distinctive cultural presence through this critically acclaimed production.