‘Wing Chun’ returns to SZ @ Shenzhen Poly Theatre

Shenzhen dance drama, “Wing Chun,” after staging 142 shows in China and Singapore since early last year, will return to Shenzhen this summer.

Performed by the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater, the dance drama is a phenomenal show that saw sold-out performances in 34 cities in China and Singapore, celebrated as a “must-see” dance by both the critics and the audience. 

It presents a unique fusion of martial arts and dance, skillfully incorporating elements of Chinese intangible cultural heritage such as the martial art of Wing Chun and gambiered gauze. 

The dance drama, with script penned by dance critic Feng Shuangbai, and directed by Han Zhen and Zhou Liya, tells a parallel story in which Yip migrated to Hong Kong in the mid-20th century. Yip 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. 

It elaborates on a universal theme that everyone can chase their own dreams and be their own hero, as long as they put in the effort, work hard, and uphold justice.

The show creators invited Wing Chun inheritors to train the 40-plus dancers, who make “Wing Chun” a stunning experience for the audience to appreciate the beautiful dance moves mixed with Wing Chun moves. 

Chang Hongji and Zhang Yashu, two leading dancers of the show, have wowed the audience in China and Singapore with their precise and flexible movements, showcasing exceptional skills and physical prowess. It also features other types of Chinese martial arts, including tai chi and eight fixed palms.

Its breathtaking performance at the 2024 Spring Festival Gala in Beijing on Feb. 9 left a lasting impression. Earlier, it was featured with Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh in a short film and posters showcased in 680 lululemon stores worldwide and on social media, presenting the allure of traditional Chinese culture to the world.

This year, the dance will be on a tour with performances in Suzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Quanzhou, Jingdezhen, Ningbo, Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Changsha, and other cities.

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

Booking: WeChat account “SZpolytheatre”

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (深圳保利剧院)

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