Plateau taps its way onto the stage

For its makers, the Beijing premiere is not the finish line. Huang says the work will continue to evolve after opening, drawing on expert advice, audience responses and online feedback.

The team also hopes to bring the production to more cities in China and eventually to international audiences.

Back in the rehearsal hall, the dancers begin again. The steps return — fast, then slow, then suddenly sharp. An old rhythm is being asked to do something new by telling a story all the way to the end.

Palden Nyima contributed to this story.