Ballet interprets Dunhuang’s tales

By APD Writer Tao Xing

The ancient painting of flying Apsaras, mysterious monk painters, and particularly generations of Dunhuang people who devote their lives to repairing grottoes in northwest China’s Gansu Province inspired a group of Chinese artists. The ballet on Dunhuang’s tales was then created.

Flying Apsaras of Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Dunhuang

On July 3, director of the National Ballet of China Feng Ying, and other creators shared stories behind the scenes at a news briefing in Beijing.

National Ballet of China held press conference to introduce ballet Dunhuang

“Our choreographer Fei Bo and young ballet dancers are deeply impressed and inspired by both the area and ancient painting restores there. Besides its great charms, we, as an art group, have the responsibility to deliver the ‘Dunhuang spirit’ and its big influence to the Chinese culture to the world by ballet, a form of international language,” said Feng.

Feng Ying, Director of National Ballet of China, accept the Interview

Dunhuang, as a county-level city in Gangsu, was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road and is best known for the Mogao Caves. The National Ballet of China, this time, combines classics and modern ballet to highlight the splendid Chinese culture.

Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

After 28 times of modification, the national ballet company finally began the choreography. Fei Bo said with emotion: “What move me are a large number of people who devoted their lives to repairing frescos. The Mogao cave in Dunhuang is more than sand, stones and paint. It’s a masterpiece created by those working people. It is a place with the strong vitality.”

Fei Bo, young Choreographer of NBC accept the Interview

“The most difficult part for an orginal work is how to expess your words.” The spirt of Dunhuang people is simple: love makes these young people come to the deserted place to repair the damaged caves. Thus, artists tell these people’s stories with dance.

Guo Wenjing, the composer of the ballet, said: “Dunhuang is just a background,. What I focus is the people. This is a story about life, dream, youth and love. The young life and old love story is the focus of my work.”

Medias watches ballet Dunhuang 's segment

Medias watches ballet Dunhuang 's segment

Medias watches ballet Dunhuang 's segment

The Dunhuang people are commited to protecting the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang culture and Chinese culture. The ballet Dunhuan, from the angle of Chinese first-generation Dunhuang art inheritors, expresses their great love of to the deserts and their spirit of sacrifice.

On September 19-22 and September 27-28, the ballet will debut in the Beijing Tianqiao Theatre and the Dunhuang Grand Theatre respectively.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)