Red detachment dances home
The National Ballet of China stages first leg of classic production’s 60th anniversary tour in Hainan,
‘Forward, forward, the soldier’s responsibility is heavy, the women’s enmity is deep.” When the passionate melody sounds, the National Ballet of China’s sixth generation of the heroine Wu Qionghua carries on the legacy of her predecessors with an exuberant and youthful performance of the ballet Red Detachment of Women.
Six decades after its premiere in 1964, the iconic ballet made a return to South China’s Hainan province, the very place where its story unfolds. The 60th-anniversary celebration of this classic production by the National Ballet of China debuted in Haikou city on the evening of March 2.
The Hainan Provincial Song and Dance Theater pulsated with energy as a packed house bore witness to hundreds of voices uniting in the well-known theme, The Song of the Detachment. It took the performance to soaring heights, igniting waves of emotion.
Based on the film of the same name, the ballet consists of seven scenes. It begins with a rural woman, Wu Qionghua, who escapes a life of slavery under her cruel landlord Nan Batian, and joins a legendary all-female Red Army battalion, led by commander Hong Changqing on Hainan Island during the civil war in the early 1930s.
Through the trials of battle, the journey of transformation from a bitter rural slave to a steadfast revolutionary soldier, depicted in the ballet, paints a vivid and magnificent picture of the strong and unyielding revolutionary spirit of Chinese women, according to Han Chaoguang, chairman of the Hainan Performing Arts Group.
“The ballet, Red Detachment of Women, represents an extraordinary melding of Chinese and Western artistic traditions, seamlessly integrating the timeless techniques of classical ballet with the intricate tapestry of traditional Chinese culture and art. This trailblazing approach incorporates distinctive traditional Hainan Li ethnic dance movements into the elegant postures of ballet,” said a ballet enthusiast surnamed Chi. “By embracing this innovative synthesis, the production vividly captures the dynamic customs and ethnic features of Hainan, paying homage to the island’s rich cultural heritage in a captivating manner.
“This harmonious blending of diverse influences weaves a compelling narrative that transcends borders and celebrates the beauty of cultural diversity, offering a breathtaking showcase of artistic innovation and cross-cultural appreciation,” he added.
Gao Fenfen, an entrepreneur working in Hainan, shared her experience after watching the show. “The performance will serve as a source of encouragement, inspiring women like me to continue embracing and upholding the revolutionary spirit and Red Culture,” she said.
Pang Qijiang is a loyal fan of the ballet. Previously, as the head of the culture station in Yangjiang town in Qionghai city, the hometown of Red Detachment of Women, and a descendant of Pang Qionghua, the first commander of the real-life battalion upon which the story is based, he has devoted half of his life to studying this iconic ballet. After retiring, Pang Qijiang took it upon himself to systematically collect, organize, and publish information about Red Detachment of Women, producing several books on the subject.
His commitment goes beyond just research — Pang Qijiang has also made numerous visits to historical sites in search of friends and relatives of the original battalion. The touching, inspiring story has left a lasting impact on him, and he describes each viewing of the ballet as a profound educational experience.
The 72-year-old expressed his excitement about the ballet staging the first stop of its 60th-anniversary celebration tour in Haikou. “This show holds special significance, as it marks the premiere of the ballet in the place the story originated,” Pang Qijiang said. He mentioned that since 2012, whenever the classic ballet is performed in China, the families and friends of the real battalion have made it a point to attend the show.
In recent years, Yangjiang town has opened exhibition halls. Pang Qijiang, being deeply involved in preserving the history of the ballet, often explains the exhibits to visitors. He has also actively participated in various activities following the upgrading of the Red Detachment of Women Memorial Park.
Wang Lusheng, cousin of Wang Yunmei, a soldier in the battalion, emphasized the importance of passing on the spirit of the Red Detachment of Women to future generations, recognizing the profound impact it can have on descendants and young people.
“By bringing the stories of these brave women onto the stage, the ballet aims to honor the sacrifices of the older generation and ensure that the legacy of the real Red Detachment of Women lives on. Watching the performances of the ballerinas, witnessing the strength of the soldiers, and experiencing their unwavering determination and resilience on the battlefield, serves as a powerful reminder of their extraordinary journey,” said Ma Shiju, granddaughter of Wang Yunmei.
The sixth-generation dancer to play the role of the heroine Wu is
This iconic production has effectively transformed into a cultural ambassador, proudly displaying and disseminating the essence of local culture.”
WeChat account of Hainan Performing Arts Group
young ballerina Qiu Yunting. She described the production as the “family drama” of the National Ballet of China, emphasizing that its enduring appeal stems from the vivid portrayal of the women’s unwavering faith, pioneering spirit, resilience, and heroic struggles. Qiu said that these spiritual values have deeply resonated with audiences, contributing to the work’s lasting popularity and widespread influence.
Qiu also highlighted the significance of visiting the Red Detachment of Women Memorial Park and immersing herself in the historical images and sculptures related to the story. She said that this experience adds emotional depth to her performance, allowing her and her colleagues to fully embody the powerful narrative and convey its profound impact to the audience.
Feng Ying, a seasoned dancer and the director of the National Ballet of China, said that Red Detachment of Women remains in a state of constant evolution, with a new generation of dancers adding their own interpretations to the performance each year.
The national celebration tour of Red Detachment of Women is set to captivate audiences across more than 20 cities, including Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Taiyuan. With 60 performances planned, the tour promises to bring the timeless story to life to a diverse set of audiences across the country.
In addition to the performances, a series of enriching activities are also on the agenda, including special celebration performances, seminars, exhibitions, and the publication of a commemorative album and a collection of essays.
For six decades, Red Detachment of Women has left an important mark on audiences both at home and abroad, with more than 4,000 performances to its credit. The production gained recognition in the United States when it was performed for former President Richard Nixon during his historic visit to China in 1972. Its awe-inspiring plot, enchanting melodies, grandiose scenes, vibrant characters, and the unique cultural tapestry of Hainan island have mesmerized generations of spectators and garnered a multitude of accolades on the global stage. The production stands as a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and has become an emblem of Chinese ballet art.
The significance of Red Detachment of Women extends far beyond its status as a dance drama. It has evolved into a powerful representation of Hainan, serving as a cultural symbol and a cherished period of memory. Its artistic excellence has propelled it to the peak of artistic achievement, and it has also become a prominent emblem of Chinese culture, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions and values that define the nation, according to Han.
“This iconic production has effectively transformed into a cultural ambassador, proudly displaying and disseminating the essence of local culture. It exudes a strong vitality and a unique charm in the realm of cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and the West,” said an article on the group’s public WeChat account.
Han remarked that this iconic performance kicked off its national tour from Hainan, marking a pivotal moment in harnessing the rich cultural heritage of the region and showcasing it to the world.
“By commencing the national tour from Hainan, we aim to harness the profound historical significance of Red Detachment of Women and carry forward the spirit of this iconic production. It serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Red Culture and the Qiongya revolutionary armed forces that grew on Hainan Island in the 1920s under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, symbolizing the resilience and tenacity of the people,” he said.
“Through this momentous event, we aspire to celebrate and perpetuate the essence of Red Detachment of Women, thereby reinforcing its status as a cultural treasure and a source of inspiration for generations to come,” Han added.