Performers from Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre on stage in "Odes to Heroes." [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre presented the large-scale dance drama "Odes to Heroes" at the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival on July 25-26. Staged at Urumqi Peking Opera House in Xinjiang, the performance coincided with this year's 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, delivering a powerful interpretation of traditional Chinese culture and profound themes of familial love and national duty.

"Odes to Heroes" centers around a young man named Chen Xinyuan who travels back in time after finding a "Yingge stick" — a traditional prop used in Yingge dance — left by his father Chen Wenyao. During his fantastical journey, he meets his father and other ancestors, witnesses his father's heroic deeds during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Through this experience, he uncovers the reasons behind his father's decision to join the resistance.

Performers from Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre on stage in "Odes to Heroes." [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Qian Xin, the chief choreographer, explained that the drama is rooted in "Yingge dance," a traditional folk dance from Guangdong's Chaoshan region in southern China. It also incorporates other national intangible cultural heritages such as Chaozhou wood carving, inlaid porcelain and iron-stick puppetry. Even the oil-paper lanterns used in the performance are crafted using national intangible cultural heritage techniques.

Qian highlighted the unique cultural exchange, noting that while Guangdong and Xinjiang are located at opposite ends of China, both are indispensable treasures of Chinese culture. By integrating the architecture and culture of Guangdong into the drama, "Odes to Heroes" aimed to offer audiences in Xinjiang with a unique experience.  

For Iliwan Umar, a principal dancer of Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre who plays the male lead Chen Xinyuan, the performance was a special homecoming. Hails from Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, he shared his deep connection to his roots.

"I miss my hometown very much," he said after the performance, recalling a previous visit. "During the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival in 2023, we brought the dance drama 'Awakening Lion' to Xinjiang. "This time, at the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, we returned with 'Odes to Heroes' to convey a kind of spirit." He articulated the core message of the production, emphasizing that "heroes are not born out of thin air — they are ordinary people who step up when needed. In times of national crisis, they act with courage; beneath the hero's facade, they're just like you and me."

Liu Feitong, operations director of "Odes to Heroes," underscored the mission of the performance. "By participating in the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, we hope to showcase vivid intangible cultural heritage through our performances," Liu said, adding that they will also stage performances in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities later.