Desert relic transforms into dance

Yan Daqiu, a fan of the dance drama, has seen it 33 times since its premiere. She is impressed by the delicate flow of the performance, particularly the dancers' eyes lowered in quiet grace and their light, measured steps that move with gentle elegance.

"Each pause and each turn is infused with power and rhythm, conveying a sense of restrained beauty imbued with a unique classical charm," she says.

One dance segment brings the spirit of the Han Dynasty to life through its costume design. Inspired by the Han-era terracotta figurines seen during the creative team's visit to the Xinjiang Museum in Urumqi, where the brocade relic is displayed, the costumes evoke romantic elegance, beautifully merging simplicity with the grandeur of Han aesthetics.

In their appearance and makeup, the dancers also embody the aesthetics of the Han period. Their headpieces, crafted with Han-style white jade patterns, are dignified and graceful. Their faces, adorned with the era's signature makeup, which features the bold use of crimson beneath the eyes and across the cheeks, evoke a sense of grandeur.

"Through these designs, the dance drama offers a profound visual experience that immerses the audience in the timeless elegance of Han aesthetics, allowing the spirit of the ancient world to breathe anew," Yan says.

Through dance, music and the enduring legacy of the brocade relic, the dance drama has become not only a testament to China's past but also a vibrant expression of its future — a story of culture, resilience and unity that continues to resonate across borders, bringing people together through the power of art, says Dong Ning, the show's producer.

The Oriental Legend show marks the closing performance of the China Arts and Entertainment Group's "Image China" series for 2025.

Since its establishment in 2009, the series has sent over 30 Chinese art troupes and more than 40 stage productions to perform in the Americas, Europe and Oceania, with over 600 performances.