A scene from Yun. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Choreographed by Wang Zihan, Shao Junting and Pu Yu, all from Beijing Dance Academy, Yun is based on the history of the Grand Canal, also known as Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the longest canal in the world which starts from Beijing, links the Yellow River and Yangtze River, and goes to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Constructed in the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the Grand Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to the director of the dance drama, Shuai Xiaojun, all the dancers are amateur and students of Beijing Wuzi University.

"Art education is important to students who are not majoring in art. Adapting the topic of the Grand Canal is also a good approach to introduce history to students," the director said.

Initiated by Beijing Wuzi University, the dance drama secured the Beijing Culture and Arts Fund in September 2017 issued by Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture.

A scene from Yun. [Photo provided to China Daily]