ZHENGYANG Gate (also known as Qianmen), the historic Beijing landmark dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), has stood witness to China’s turbulent modern history. It has witnessed foreign invasions, liberation parades, Olympic fireworks, and centennial celebrations. Now, its spirit comes alive in the original dance drama “Weiwei Zhengyang,” or “Zhengyang Gate.”

Produced by the Beijing Dance Academy, this original dance drama uses the gate as its spiritual core, telling the story of one ordinary family across five generations — from the late Qing Dynasty’s (1644-1911) collapse through foreign invasion, revolution, and national reconstruction.

The piece unfolds in five acts, followed by a dazzling finale. Each act is named to reflect a distinct color-coded emotional atmosphere, and each employs its own choreographic vocabulary. The result has been praised for its exceptionally high “dance density,” with movement driving the story forward scene by scene.

In “Ink Black,” fading court elegance is set against soldiers’ resolute charges, creating a haunting image of a collapsing dynasty. “Pure White” portrays the inner tensions and determination of May Fourth youth, where leaps and turns spark with revolutionary energy and reveal collisions between old and new. “Brick Red” is the production’s signature “repair dance,” transforming bricklaying and hauling into kinetic art; dancers flip and surge across structured spaces to capture the heat of nationwide construction. In “Gold Tempting,” disco-inspired steps — paired with period-inspired costumes such as bell-bottoms and pencil skirts — revive the reform era’s lively momentum and hope. “Drawing Blue” shifts into crisp, forceful ceremonial guard movements, expressing the strength and responsibility of today’s youth as they march forward to the sound of the centennial cannon.

Directed by Shuai Xiaojun of the Beijing Dance Academy, with a theme song performed by musical theater star Ayanga, “Weiwei Zhengyang” is a living monument to a century of Chinese memory.

(Tang Li)

Time: 8 p.m., July 18; 3 p.m., July 19

Venue: Grand Theater, Guangming Culture and Art Center, Guangming District (光明文化艺术中心演艺中心大剧场)

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