'Wing Chun' a good Christmas gift: Canadian audience

While snow fell on Toronto’s streets, the Meridian Hall was warmed by an enthusiastic audience Dec. 27. Following a two-day Christmas break, the acclaimed Shenzhen-original dance drama “Wing Chun” returned to the stage, beginning the final 11 performances of its 20-show run in North America.

Cast members of "Wing Chun" acknowledge the audience’s warm applause following the Dec. 27 performance. Geng Chaoyi

The production, which blends fluid dance with the precise movements of the martial art, is the first Chinese dance drama to stage such an extensive engagement in the city, according to Liu Yuchenke, CEO of local organizer ADEM. The strong audience interest was evident as the lobby filled during the matinee and after the show, with attendees queuing for signatures from the dancers.

Margaret (center), a Canadian acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine, poses for a photo with her family after the show. Chen Siqi

The synthesis of art and action resonated powerfully with theatergoers. Margaret, a Canadian acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine for over 30 years, attended with her family. Deeply invested in Chinese culture, she expressed excitement at seeing its artistic expression on stage. After her family saw advertisements for the show online, they decided to attend.

“The combination of dance and martial arts is absolutely stunning,” she said.

An audience member tries out a Wing Chun wooden dummy on display during intermission. Chen Siqi

Attendees Ava Reitmaier Stone and Lilo Miller were drawn to examine the gambiered Guangdong gauze (Xiangyunsha) costumes during the intermission.

“It's really cool to see fight choreography from movies brought onto the stage in real time and elevated to such a dramatic, artistic, and impressive level,” Stone said.

She added that learning the drama originates from Guangdong — the same homeland as the Wing Chun master Ip Man — inspired her interest in visiting the province.

Theatergoers pack the lobby and line up for "Wing Chun" souvenirs following a performance. Geng Chaoyi

Former musician Christian Mondaca, who attends shows at Meridian Hall with his family each year, said the “Wing Chun” performance was a Christmas gift for his son, a taekwondo student. His son left the theater inspired to pursue Wing Chun. For Mondaca himself, the integration of movement and music stood out. “I enjoyed the choreography with the music, the way it’s integrated,” he said.

“Today’s show received excellent feedback,” said Liu from the local organizer company. “We saw a substantial audience, including many Western attendees, coming to experience it live.”

Liu credited the production’s cross-cultural appeal to its visual storytelling. Unlike dialogue-heavy musicals, “Wing Chun” communicates through dance, martial arts, and music, making it uniquely accessible to global audiences.

Theatergoers are captivated by the powerful performances of "Wing Chun" dancers. Geng Chaoyi