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 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.
