Beijing — The Chongqing-produced ballet “The Red Shoes” was performed in the China National Opera House Theatre on Sept. 7, drawing warm praise from audiences.

“This is my first time realizing that Chongqing has such a good ballet production,” said Beijing resident Yu Xinmiao as he left the theater smiling. “I had been looking forward to it since I saw the introduction online. This time, I even bought more than 10 tickets to invite family and friends, and it exceeded all expectations.”

The audience arrived early for The Red Shoes. (Photo/ Zhou Shuangshuang)

The production was selected by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the showcase of outstanding stage works marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is the only Chongqing work included and the only ballet among 22 productions nationwide.

“The Red Shoes” is inspired by the experiences of Dai Ailian (1916–2006), known as the “mother of Chinese dance,” during the wartime years in Chongqing. It tells the story of “Lian,” a patriotic artist who returns from Britain to a city under bombardment. Guided by a Communist Party member named “Xuan,” he inspires the people’s spirit through dance, cares for displaced children at Yucai School, and contributes to the development of national dance.

During the war, Chongqing endured 6 years and 10 months of Japanese bombing. With the unyielding spirit of “the more bombed, the stronger,” the people of the mountain city stood firm amid ruins, passing on hope through smoke and fire and building an unbreakable fortress of resistance.

A scene from The Red Shoes performance. (Photo/Zhou Shuangshuang)

In the first act, the stage transformed with each scene to vividly recreate wartime Chongqing. Iconic landscapes included stilted houses, layered stone stairways, and rain-soaked mountain alleys. The performance also incorporated Xiushan folk lanterns and the classic Chongqing folk song “The Sun Rises With Joy.” The dancers’ artistry drew admiration, as their graceful yet powerful movements expressed the resilience and determination of “Lian” and others during the war.

The second act opened with “Lian” leading students in rehearsals and charity performances despite bombings. Even as wind howled and lights failed, the candles held by dancers lit the stage — and people’s hearts. As the finale approached, dancers unfurled costumes like doves’ wings, symbolizing the long-awaited arrival of a new era. When the “doves” appeared en pointe in red ballet shoes, thunderous applause filled the hall.

The ballet incorporates Chongqing elements such as banyan trees and stone stairways. (Photo/Zhou Shuangshuang)

“This latest upgraded version has a more focused storyline, clearer portrayals of the protagonists’ faith and spirit, and more innovative costumes and stage design,” said Liu Jun, artistic director of the Chongqing Ballet and chief director of “The Red Shoes.” Since its premiere in 2023, the ballet has been performed more than 90 times across China, evolving into its current 5.0 version. Liu said she hopes audiences will not only feel the shock of history but also deeply understand the spirit of those who upheld national dignity with their lives.