'Wing Chun' enchants Moscow audience with sold-out premiere

The Shenzhen original dance drama “Wing Chun” made a spectacular debut at the historic Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on the evening of Friday, local time, drawing a packed house and captivating the audience with its mesmerizing performance.

The audience gives a standing ovation during the curtain call of the "Wing Chun" performance at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Friday evening local time. Photos by Zhang Yu 

The premiere in the Russian capital was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with tickets selling out well in advance. Audience members, ranging from seasoned theater-goers to curious newcomers, were treated to a dazzling display of martial arts, artistry, and cultural storytelling.

Video by Marina Vilchinskaia

The choreography, a masterful blend of martial arts techniques and contemporary dance, kept the audience spellbound throughout the performance.

“A group of absolutely incredible people, even though they don’t say a word, they tell everything with their bodies, their movements, conveying emotions, conveying the story, you completely forget that you can’t hear the lines,” said Olga Kazakova, chairwoman of the State Duma Committee on Culture of Russia.

“Hats off to everyone who created this amazing performance!” Kazakova added, noting that she would rate the dance drama a 10 out of 10 for its incredible talent and emotional impact.

Olga Kazakova, chairwoman of the State Duma Committee on Culture of Russia, speaks to the press after  premiere of “Wing Chun” at Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Friday. 

Oleg Matytsin, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports of Russia, praised “Wing Chun” for combining Chinese culture with human civilization, giving the audience a wonderful performance and bringing new inspiration to the long-established Bolshoi Theater.

Video by Marina Vilchinskaia

Irina Viner, former president of Russia’s rhythmic gymnastics federation, said she was delighted to have engaged in profound exchanges with Chinese culture on the day. 

“While everyone is familiar with kung fu, only you have the exceptional ability to present it as a stage art. Both Chinese and Russian cultures are rich and magnificent. May the friendship between China and Russia last forever,” she told the cast and crew after the show.

Oleg Matytsin （2nd L), chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports of Russia, and Irina Viner (3rd L), former president of Russia’s rhythmic gymnastics federation, praise the "Wing Chun" performance at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Friday.

The emotional climax of the dance drama was met with spontaneous applause and heartfelt cheers. The audience was visibly moved by the performance, with many expressing their admiration through a standing ovation during the curtain call.

Video by Marina Vilchinskaia

Following the three shows at the Bolshoi Theater between Friday and Saturday, “Wing Chun” will be performed at the Mariinsky II (New Theater) in St. Petersburg from April 30 to May 1, becoming the first original Chinese dance drama staged at two of Russia’s most prestigious theaters.

Guests and members of the "Wing Chun" troupe pose for a photo following the debut performance at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Friday evening.