Passion drives student to watch ‘Wing Chun’ for 4th time in Paris

Actors curtsy for the curtain call during the “Wing Chun” performance at the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre on April 15, 2023. Courtesy of the interviewee

Having watched the dance drama “Wing Chun” three times, Ding Yeming, an overseas Chinese doctoral student in Germany, is set to attend the show for the fourth time when the acclaimed Shenzhen-produced performance takes the stage at the Palais des Congrès de Paris in France from Oct. 4 to 6.

“Since I came to study in Germany, I haven’t seen ‘Wing Chun’ for almost a year. I’m eagerly looking forward to catching the details I missed before,” Ding told Shenzhen Daily. She has specially organized a two-day trip to Paris to watch the show on the afternoon of Oct. 5. “I'm excited to see the cast, which remains unknown to me.”

Ding’s passion for dance drama ignited in 2018. Over the years, she has attended nearly every production directed by the talented duo Han Zhen and Zhou Liya. “Wing Chun” marks their sixth collaboration. Ding is familiar with the show’s featured characters—Chang Hongji and Zhang Yashu—who have previously captivated her in other performances.

In April 2023, when "Wing Chun" arrived in Shanghai, Ding grabbed a ticket to experience the production live for the first time. Enchanted by the performance, she pursued the show, watching it a second and third time in Wuxi and Nanjing within just a few months.

Unlike many audience members who are drawn to the traditional elements, Ding appreciates the innovative storytelling of the dual narratives. What resonates most with her are the subtle details in the dance that evoke deep emotions. According to Ding, every ordinary character performs their vivid portrayal and personality.

Actors share their thoughts with the audience during their performance at the Jiangsu Center for the Performing Arts in Nanjing on May 17, 2023.

After nearly a year, when she learned that “Wing Chun” would be staged in Paris—a two to three-hour flight from her studies—she arranged her schedule and sought permission from her tutor to make the trip.

Ding said she is really proud to see Chinese dance drama step beyond its homeland. “People in foreign countries are very curious about Chinese culture. Now, we have our own artistic performance showcased on the world stage,” she said. “I truly hope that ‘Wing Chun’ will be performed in other countries within the Schengen Area and even in the rest of the world.”