'Wing Chun' begins Toronto residency

The acclaimed dance drama “Wing Chun” from Shenzhen commenced its North American debut Tuesday evening, local time, at Meridian Hall in Toronto, opening a 20-performance engagement that marks its first extended international residency and aims to deepen cultural ties, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen people-to-people connections.

The cast of "Wing Chun" receives a standing ovation following a powerful performance blending martial arts and contemporary dance at Meridian Hall, Toronto, Tuesday loca time. Photos by Zhou Hongsheng

The production, which synthesizes martial arts with contemporary dance, was presented to a diverse audience that responded with sustained applause. The premiere precedes the 10th anniversary of friendly exchanges between Shenzhen and Toronto in 2026.

“I’m very impressed with the quality of the production. Thank you to everyone involved in producing the show and sharing it now with audiences here in Canada,” commented Frank Scarpitti, mayor of Markham.

“I thought it was beautiful. The choreography was impeccable,” said William Wensley, a Toronto resident. “I would recommend anyone to go see it.”

Guests try their hand at Wing Chun techniques during an interactive pre-show experience at Meridian Hall in Toronto, as excitement builds for the opening night of the dance drama's Toronto residency.

Another attendee, Dmytriy Pereklita, co-founder of dkstudio architects, noted the production had renewed his appreciation for Chinese culture. “I feel inspired. It’s like seeing a beautiful piece of art and a beautiful piece of Chinese culture. It made me fall in love with Chinese culture all over again.”

“What impressed me most was the perfect balance between martial arts and dance—especially the master’s performance. It was beautiful, powerful, and amazingly executed,” he added.

The Toronto engagement represents a new breakthrough for the production, which will celebrate its 300th global performance during this residency. 

A packed house erupts in cheers and applause as "Wing Chun" closes its opening-night performance at Meridian Hall in Toronto, marking the start of its 20-show North American debut.

Created in 2022 by Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater, “Wing Chun” features two gripping, interwoven tales about the relentless pursuit of dreams. A pulse-pounding blend of dance, martial arts, and cinematic staging with breathtaking visuals, this acclaimed production has been hailed by critics worldwide for its brilliant fight scenes, outstanding cast, and intricate design elements.

As part of its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, “Wing Chun” is donating blocks of tickets to nonprofit organizations including Canadian Cancer Society, SickKids Foundation, Southlake Health, Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto, and Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), bringing the transformative power of the arts to patients, families, caregivers, and frontline healthcare workers.

The run continues through Jan. 4, 2026, with the milestone 300th performance scheduled for that date. 

A festive crowd gathers at Meridian Hall ahead of the North American premiere of "Wing Chun," as part of the production’s 20-show run in Toronto.

This cultural presentation occurs as Shenzhen prepares to host international dialogues during the 2026 APEC meetings, highlighting the city’s multidimensional global engagement.