“Wing Chun,” which has captivated audiences across China and in Singapore with over 180 shows, is back in town again with seven performances at the Shenzhen Poly Theater from July 3 to 7.

Following the performances in Shenzhen, the dance drama will go international as part of the "Shenzhen Stories" Initiative for Global City Civilizations Exchange, with a total of 12 performances at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, U.K. from Aug. 30 to Sept. 7, before continuing on to France and Russia.

The principal creators and cast of the highly praised dance drama gathered at the Shenzhen Poly Theater’s multifunctional hall in Nanshan District on the evening of July 2 for an eagerly awaited meet-and-greet session with fans.

The principal creators and cast of the critically acclaimed dance drama "Wing Chun" meet fans at the Shenzhen Poly Theater in Nanshan District on July 2.  Photos courtesy of the event organizer

Enthusiastic dance drama aficionados flocked to the event, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved artistic icons.

At the event, the creative team passionately discussed the conceptual framework of the dance drama, revealed behind-the-scenes anecdotes about rehearsals, and illuminated the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture woven into the production’s unique blend of martial arts and dance.

The cast highlighted how they translate the essence of traditional Chinese culture into dance, offering the audience a nuanced and aesthetically rewarding window into China’s rich cultural heritage.

To truly embody their roles, the actors noted that it is imperative to synthesize the unique traits of the characters with the narrative arc of the dance drama and keenly observe and internalize the emotional nuances pertinent to their respective age groups, using dance as a medium to convey these complex emotions.

The fusion of dance and martial arts is both a signature feature of “Wing Chun” and a significant artistic challenge for the performers.

Choreographer Lyu Chengliang, one of the "Wing Chun" directors, gives an interview at the event on July 2.

The drama seamlessly combines the martial arts techniques from five prominent martial arts schools, namely Wing Chun, Praying Mantis Boxing, Baguazhang, Bajiquan, and Tai Chi, with elements of both classical and contemporary dance. This fusion results in enthralling fight scenes that have become audience favorites.

Chang Hongji, the lead actor, disclosed that in order to execute the martial arts scenes with accuracy, the entire cast dedicated themselves to a year of rigorous martial arts training that allowed them to blend martial arts with their dance routines.

“The performance on stage must not only meet the scrutiny of martial arts pundits but also vividly illustrate the beauty of martial arts confrontation,” Chang explained.

“We treat every performance as a genuine duel, harnessing our full body strength to render each martial arts move,” he added.

“Wing Chun,” a Shenzhen production, made its national debut in December 2022 and subsequently made its international debut in Singapore in September 2023, receiving rave reviews both at home and abroad.

Enthusiastic fans applaud the "Wing Chun" crew at the meet-and-greet event.

The drama’s narrative is structured around two parallel storylines that are deftly interwoven, with the stage transitioning between two distinct settings.

One narrative unfolds on a movie set where the legendary story of Yip Man, the illustrious master of Wing Chun, is filming. The other storyline tracks Yip’s journey to Hong Kong to champion the martial art of Wing Chun.

In addition, the creators of “Wing Chun” have intertwined two intangible cultural legacies — the martial art of Wing Chun and the traditional fabric known as Xiangyunsha or gambiered gauze.