The Chinese ballet The Red Detachment of Women is touring the country to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

To better understand and portray the female soldiers, choreographer Li Chengxiang led the composer Wu Zuqiang, choreographers Jiang Zuhui and Wang Xixian, as well as top ballet dancers Bai Shuxiang, Zhong Runliang and Liu Qingtang on a trip to Hainan Island.

 

"The dancers took off their ballet shoes and put on army boots. They received strict training just like soldiers," Feng Ying says.

As a veteran dancer and the current director of the National Ballet of China, she has also performed the leading female role of Wu Qionghua.

Zhou Zhaohui, a dancer with the National Ballet of China, says: "My parents were so proud of me when they heard I was to play the role of Hong Changqing. They have watched the film hundreds of times. It means so much to my parents' generation.

"Now, I have been performing the role for more than 13 years. It is meaningful to me, not only as my first leading role as a ballet dancer, but also as an inspiration in my life."

According to Wang Caijun, Red Detachment of Women is still evolving, with a new generation of ballet dancers performing the piece every year.

"Unlike our generation, which was close to the story of the ballet, the younger generation has little knowledge and few feelings about that history. Their main inspiration comes from the black-and-whitemovies and experiences passed down by veteran dancers," 56-year-old Wang says. "But the ballet is still popular today, among middle-aged people and the younger generation, because it connects with the audiences - not just the story but also the spirit of the roles.

"From becoming a slave to becoming a soldier, Wu Qionghua reflects a huge personal leap, which is like a role model for today's young people, fighting for their future. It's full of positive attitude and energy."

The ballet will be staged at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept 26, the same date of the show's premiere in 1964, as a conclusion to this year's anniversary celebration.

Wang says that different generations of ballet dancers, who have performed in the ballet over the years, will appear onstage, celebrating together.

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