Martial arts meets dance as new drama opens in Canada

"Within China, we focus on inheritance. Outside China, we focus on promotion," Zheng said.

Wing Chun, he noted, has been practiced and taught overseas for decades and remains one of the most widely recognized forms of Chinese martial arts in the West.

"It is a bridge and a bond for communication between China and the world," Zheng said, adding that it is "worth promoting with full effort".

Zheng said he hoped the Toronto performances would spark renewed interest in Wing Chun across North America.

"Through this dance drama in North America — starting with Toronto — I think it will trigger a wave of enthusiasm for Wing Chun," he said.

Toronto resident Anas Abdul attended the opening night.

"Honestly, it's kind of breathtaking," he said.

"I've never experienced anything like this before. It's one of a kind, and it's really new compared to what I've experienced before," he told China Daily.

"I definitely feel like I've immersed myself in the traditions — the movement, the weight and what they're talking about," he said. "I still feel like there's a lot more to come, so I'm really excited to see what's going to come next."