A stunning lineup of dances coming to SZ

As a powerful form of expression, dance has the ability to transcend borders, cultures, and languages, bringing people together in a universal language of movement. An array of dance shows in various styles will be presented by prestigious domestic and international troupes or dancers in Shenzhen. Let’s take a quick look.

Bay Opera of Shenzhen

‘La Sylphide’ and ‘Don Quixote’

“Don Quixote”

Ballet de L’Opera National de Bordeaux will stage “La Sylphide” and “Don Quixote” Act 3. “La Sylphide” tells the story of a young man who becomes infatuated with a mystical sylph, ultimately leading to tragedy when he abandons his fiancée to pursue the elusive creature. In Act 3 of “Don Quixote,” the ballet celebrates the love story between Kitri and Basilio, as they perform a grand and joyful wedding pas de deux, showcasing their passion and enduring love.

“La Sylphide”

Time: 8 p.m., April 27-28

Booking: WeChat account “深圳滨海艺术中心”

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit A

Guangming Culture and Art Center

‘Dance of Calligraphy in 353 AD’

“Dance of Calligraphy in 353 AD” draws inspiration from the renowned Chinese calligraphy piece “Lantingji Xu,” written by the revered calligrapher Wang Xizhi (303-361). The dance show, presented by the Shanghai Opera House, intricately weaves together Wang’s life, insights, and the humanistic essence of ancient scholars, presenting a blend of aestheticism and romanticism in Chinese calligraphy.

“Dance of Calligraphy in 353 AD”

Time: 8 p.m., April 5; 3:30 p.m., April 6

Booking: WeChat account “GuangmingArtCenter”

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station (凤凰城站), Exit B

Shenzhen Poly Theater

‘Awakening Lion’

“Awakening Lion,” a dance show by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theater, tells the story of two lion dance performers set against the backdrop of the First Opium War.

Time: 8 p.m., March 29-30

‘Du Fu’

The dance drama “Du Fu,” directed by Han Zhen and Zhou Liya, promises to captivate audience members with a mesmerizing exploration of Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Du Fu’s life and emotions. Through a fusion of ancient verses and contemporary dance, this production offers a transcendent journey through poetic epochs.

Time: 8 p.m., May 11-12 (May 12 also at 2:30 p.m.)

‘Swan Lake’

Imperial Russian Ballet will stage “Swan Lake,” one of the most popular of all ballets. It tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.

Time: 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m., May 26

‘A Dream of Red Mansions’

“A Dream of Red Mansions,” one of the four great Chinese classical novels, written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), has been adapted into various art forms. Now, a dance drama of the same title and produced by the Jiangsu Center for the Performing Arts will be staged. It brings to life the intricate relationships, love, and tragedy of the classic Chinese novel. Through expressive choreography and stunning visuals, the production will immerse audience members in the compelling story of the Jia family and their lavish, yet ultimately tragic world.

Time: 8 p.m., June 22-23, 25-26

‘Wing Chun’

Performed by the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater, “Wing Chun” presents a unique fusion of the martial art of Wing Chun and dance. It tells a parallel story in which master Yip Man moved to Hong Kong in the mid-20th century. He began to take disciples and teach them Wing Chun, and then it also tells a story about how a group of Shenzhen filmmakers try decades later to shoot a film about Yip and pursue their dreams.

Time: 8 p.m., July 3-7 (July 6-7 also at 2:30 p.m.)

Booking: WeChat account “SZpolytheatre”

Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E

Nanshan Culture and Sports Center

‘White Snake’

“The Legend of the White Snake”

“The Legend of the White Snake,” choreographed by Wang Ge and performed by Guangzhou Ballet, unravels the timeless Chinese folktale of a white snake’s desire for human life and its romance with Xu Xian. The ballet integrates traditional Chinese dance, Chinese folk dance, contemporary dance elements, and stunning costumes designed by renowned artist Tim Yip.

Time: 8 p.m., April 12-13

‘Shanghai Tango’

Led by the illustrious dancer and choreographer Jin Xing, the Shanghai Jin Xing Dance Theater will stage “Shanghai Tango,” a 10-piece collection that artfully blends Eastern and Western dance forms. Boasting a sensuous dance style marked by grace, subtlety, and visual allure, the production features acclaimed works such as “Half Dream,” which earned Jin the title of best choreographer at the American Dance Festival 1991, and “Black and Red,” honored with the 1998 China Culture Ministry Award for Modern Art.

Time: 8 p.m., April 19-20

“Carmen”

‘Carmen’

Discover the magic and passion of flamenco dance in the Ballet Flamenco de Madrid’s dance drama “Carmen,” which follows the story of the passionate gypsy Carmen, whose seductive and free-spirited nature leads to a tumultuous love triangle and ultimately tragic consequences.

Time: 7:30 p.m., April 27

Booking: WeChat account “juchengwangluo”

Metro: Line 1 or 12 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B

Pingshan Theater

‘The Lady From the Sea’

Based on Henrik Ibsen’s 1888 play, “The Lady From the Sea” delves into the inner conflicts and complex emotions of Ellida, daughter of a lighthouse keeper, as she grapples with the choice between remaining with her successful doctor husband on land or embarking on a love-filled journey with a sailor. Directed by and starring Wang Yabin, the production skillfully intertwines modern and traditional Chinese dance movements to portray Ellida’s emotional turmoil.

Time: 3 p.m., March 3

“Wing Chun”

‘Wing Chun’

Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater’s dance drama “Wing Chun” will be staged.

Time: 8 p.m., June 28; 2:30 p.m., June 29-30

Booking: WeChat account “PingShanTheatre”

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1