CHINESE actress and dancer Tong Liya will bring “Here, and Beyond,” a dance drama celebrating the cultural traditions of Xinjiang’s diverse ethnic groups, to Shenzhen in late May.

Premiering in 2019 at Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts, the production underwent a reimagining before debuting at the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival in July 2024. It has since launched a nationwide tour spanning 17 cities and 50 performances through April 2026.

The work features more than 50 dancers from Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, structured into six chapters: “Encounter,” “To Father,” “To Mother,” “To Love,” “To the Distance” and “To Here.” Each section interweaves narratives from various ethnic communities, blending folk dance forms with international dance vocabulary.

Drawing on the cultural traditions of Kazak, Uygur, Xibe and Tajik groups, the production explores themes of love, identity and personal growth. The choreography, woven together across multiple ethnic traditions, brings to life expansive dreams and emotions through movement.

For Tong, the project represents a homecoming. Born in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, she began her artistic journey as a dancer before transitioning to acting, where she gained prominence in film and television.

“Dance was where my dream began. The stage was where I first set out,” says Tong. “I grew up in Xinjiang and conceived the idea of creating this dance drama as a tribute to my hometown. For me, performing in this dance drama at 42 is not only a challenge but also a way to revisit the passion that first defined my artistic journey.”

The production has drawn attention as both a cultural celebration and an artistic reinvention, promising Shenzhen audiences a vivid, emotionally resonant evening of movement and storytelling.

Time: 8 p.m., May 22-24

Venue: Opera Hall, Longgang International Arts Center, Longgang District (龙岗国际艺术中心歌剧厅)

Metro: Line 10 to Bei’er Road Station (贝尔路站), Exit D(Tang Li)