A dance performance titled "Crested Ibises," created by the Shanghai Dance Theatre, recently debuted at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. [Photo/CCTV.com]

 

To make the show more authentic, the team researched and even visited the crested ibis reserve several times, to get a closer look at the birds in their natural habitat.

"Usually, when playing a bird, you would wave your arms like this. But after closer observation, we've realized it's quite different from what we thought. I have to act like my hands are tied, to make small movements with my hands and shoulder. It doesn't stare at you right in the eye, instead it would tilt its chin up, proud and aloof but very sensitive at the same time. To capture that is really hard work," Zhu said.

The crested ibis, widely seen in northeast Asia, was declared extinct in the first half of the 20th century, until seven of the birds were found in Yangxian county, in northwest China's Shaanxi province in 1981.

The government has worked to ensure that this beautiful animal is around for a long time, and the Shanghai Dance Theater is doing its part to help.