A member of the Milano Ballet from Italy exchanges dance moves on Monday with a dancer from the Urumqi Art Theater upon the ballet's arrival at an airport in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The performers will participate in the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, which opened in Urumqi on Sunday and runs through Aug 5. ZOU HONG/CHINA DAILY

A performance of the original Chinese dance drama In the Distance, Here, which incorporates elements from various ethnic dances, officially kicked off the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival on Sunday in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

This year's festival, with the theme "Let's Dance Together", brings together 24 domestic and international art troupes, presenting 52 dance productions in 17 days across Xinjiang. The festival will run through Aug 5.

The performance of In the Distance, Here, featured Tong Liya, a renowned actress and dancer from Xinjiang, in the leading role, along with around 50 dancers of the Xinjiang Art Theater and the song and dance troupe of Karamay, an oil-rich city in northern Xinjiang.

The powerful dance drama, which premiered in 2019 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, tells a profound story set against the backdrop of Xinjiang's vast landscapes. The narrative unfolds in six emotional chapters: Encounter, To Father, To Mother, To Love, To the Distance, To Here.

According to the dance drama's director, Dong Jie, the production intricately blends the artistic traditions of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including the Kazak, Uygur, Xibe and Tajik peoples.

The forceful dance movements of the Xibe ethnic group reflect the gravity of To Father, while the fluid rhythms of the Tajik ethnic people express the warmth of To Mother. Furthermore, the vibrant beats of the Kazak ethnic group convey the passionate intensity of To Love, while the overall choreography, woven together by multiple ethnic groups, brings to life the expansive dreams and emotions of the dance.

"The stage design and costumes have undergone an upgrade (from its premiere version), resulting in some changes to the choreography as well. These enhancements place a greater emphasis on emotional expression, allowing for a more powerful portrayal of the deep love for Xinjiang," said Dong.

Leading dancer Tong, who was born in the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture in northwestern Xinjiang, said, "I grew up in Xinjiang, and I conceived the idea of creating this dance drama as a tribute to my hometown."

Tong studied at Xinjiang Arts University's dance school before continuing her studies at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing.

"I'm incredibly happy to bring this dance drama back to my birthplace," she said. "My hometown has provided me with so much inspiration and energy, and coming back here today truly feels more empowering."

Dancer Marina Mamat plays the role of a mysterious girl who walks into the desert, and through her, the audience can feel the immense power of nature and the harmonious coexistence between humans and the environment.

"As a dancer of Xinjiang, I have deep love for my homeland. I sincerely hope more people come to Xinjiang, because its beauty can only truly be felt when you experience it firsthand," she said, adding that she also participated in the Xinjiang dance festival in 2008.

This year's festival features artistic teams from eight countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the United States, Italy and Cambodia, along with 16 domestic groups such as the National Ballet of China, Beijing Dance Drama and Opera, the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre and the Muqam Art Troupe of Xinjiang Art Theater.

Performances are scheduled to be staged at the main venue in Urumqi as well as venues in Ili, Hotan, Aksu, Karamay, Hami and Alaer, offering diverse performances.

Since its launch in 2008, the China Xinjiang International Dance Festival has been held six times, attracting 138 art troupes from more than 70 countries and regions.