SINCE its debut in 2017, Hu Shenyuan’s modern dance work “Nomadic” has undergone nine years of refinement and reinvention. Rooted in the rhythmic essence of Mongolian dance while breaking through conventions with the sharp edge of contemporary movement, the piece has developed a distinctive choreographic vocabulary of its own. Now, this labor of time and devotion is set to return to Shenzhen in September.

“Nomadic” is based on Hu’s personal decade-long experience of drifting in Beijing — a work that presents his individual emotional journey. It tells the story of a young man who has lost himself in his own body and, through dance, rediscovers the path home.

The production draws on the fundamental rhythms of Mongolian dance and integrates them with the physical dynamics of modern dance to forge a unique mode of expression. The choreography places particular emphasis on intricate footwork, using it to capture the body’s responses across a spectrum of emotions. Set against the vast, profound melodies of Mongolia, the work evokes the inner undulations and imagery of the human spirit.

Originally a solo piece, “Nomadic” was reimagined in 2024 as a collective presentation by the Shenzhen Contemporary Dance Troupe, which Shen founded in 2023. While preserving the soul of Mongolian music, Hu has reshaped the work with fresh choreography and updated stage visuals, transforming it from a personal monologue about life into a broader collective portrait of the era.

Time: 8 p.m., Sept. 17

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(Tang Li)