'Wing Chun' makes a splash at MSU

The acclaimed Shenzhen dance drama “Wing Chun” made its grand entrance at the prestigious and 270-year-old Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) and was met with enthusiastic applause and immense interest from the university’s students and faculty on Thursday afternoon, local time.

Cast members and dancers from the Shenzhen dance drama “Wing Chun” pose for a group photo at Lomonosov Moscow State University on Thursday local time. Marina Vilchinskaia

The event came ahead of the dance drama being scheduled to be performed at the iconic Bolshoi Theater with three shows between Friday and Saturday local time.

At the Great Hall of the MSU Culture Center, students were mesmerized by a meticulously crafted promotional video for “Wing Chun” that features a professional Russian voiceover, followed by a live performance excerpt from the dance drama.

Students at Lomonosov Moscow State University watch a live excerpt from the Shenzhen dance drama “Wing Chun” at the university’s culture center Thursday. Photos by Zhang Yu unless otherwise stated

During the lively interactive session, students eagerly raised their hands to pose questions. However, the Q&A segment proved insufficient to quench their curiosity. Enthusiasm reached a peak as students spontaneously took to the stage, eager to learn martial arts movements directly from the actors, who graciously guided them through the steps.

Students learn martial arts movements from cast members of “Wing Chun” during a promotional event at Lomonosov Moscow State University on Thursday.

Following the conclusion of the event, a surge of students rushed to the stage, eager to capture photos and create lasting memories with the lead actor, Chang Hongji, who plays master Yip Man in the dance drama.

Embracing the enthusiasm, Chang welcomed interested students to join him at the square in front of MSU’s main building. There, he generously offered an impromptu lesson, teaching the basic movements of Wing Chun, much to the delight and appreciation of those present.

Audience members follow Chang Hongji, who portrays Yip Man in the dance drama “Wing Chun,” during an impromptu martial arts lesson at the square in front of Lomonosov Moscow State University’s main building Thursday.

Alina Aros, a Russian student at MSU, was one of the students who took great pleasure in the interactions. 

“I’m very interested in feeling what it is like when dance is mixed with martial arts. It is absolutely an amazing feeling!” Aros told Shenzhen Daily, adding that she would love to watch the performance at the Bolshoi Theater on Saturday to witness the entire spectacle live.<    Varvara Korchagina, another MSU student, shared that she has always wanted to immerse herself in Chinese culture through theatrical performances, therefore, she was ecstatic about attending an event like this.

“The dance drama is simply breathtaking. The performers are stunning, and the way they embody their movements is truly magnificent. I’ll definitely recommend it to my mom,” Korchagina said.

Exciting audience members take photos in front of a “Wing Chun” poster following the promotional event at the university’s culture center Thursday.

Xiao Yiying and Chen Yu, two Chinese students who currently pursue postgraduate studies at MSU, stated that they have already purchased tickets for the dance drama’s Saturday performance.

“As Chinese people, we are really proud. I hope that ‘Wing Chun’ can be performed in more cities in Russia, not just Moscow and St. Petersburg,” Xiao said.

The MSU event was organized as part of a broader cultural exchange initiative aimed at fostering understanding and appreciation between Chinese and Russian cultures, as 2024 and 2025 mark the Years of Culture between China and Russia.