Acclaimed Chinese dance trilogy takes stage for a grand cultural celebration

This summer, three award-winning Chinese dance dramas will come together for a spectacular stage celebration. To mark its 60th anniversary, the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre is presenting its iconic "Lingnan Trilogy"—Loong (《龙舟》), Awakening Lion (《醒狮》), and Odes to Heroes (《英歌》)—with special performances in June and July at the Venetian Theatre in Macao and the Guangzhou Opera House.

Poster of Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre's 60th anniversary

Each production brings to life a different aspect of Lingnan culture—a unique regional culture of southern China—blending traditional Chinese cultural elements such as lion dance, martial arts, and folk rituals with modern stagecraft and storytelling.

Stage photo of Awakening Lion

Stage photo of Awakening Lion

The series begins with Loong, to be staged at the Venetian Theatre in Macao on June 14-15. Inspired by the passion and teamwork of dragon boat racing, the performance follows a group of young athletes from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as they train and compete on the international stage. With dynamic lighting, multimedia visuals, and powerful choreography, the show infuses new energy and emotion into a beloved local tradition.

Stage photo of Loong

Stage photo of Loong

On July 2, the Guangzhou Opera House will host Awakening Lion, a powerful tale rooted in the traditional lion dance of southern China. As the first Chinese dance drama centered around the lion dance, the production tells a story of national spirit and renewal. The work has won multiple national arts awards, including China's top prize for dance drama, for its innovative presentation of intangible cultural heritage.

Stage photo of Awakening Lion

Stage photo of Awakening Lion

The trilogy concludes with Odes to Heroes, to be performed in Guangzhou on July 5-6. Drawing inspiration from Yingge dance—a traditional folk dance originating from the Chaoshan region (including Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang) of Guangdong—the dance drama follows the protagonist, a young man from the Chaoshan region, as he discovers a story of nostalgia for the homeland, a sentiment shared by overseas Chinese communities around the world.

Stage photo of Odes to Heroes

Stage photo of Odes to Heroes

These performances are part of the 2025 Guangzhou Art Season and highlight the city's growing status as an international hub for the performing arts.

In addition to these highly anticipated performances, the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre's 60th anniversary celebration also includes a range of public cultural activities such as community performances and a special exhibition. A new line of cultural products inspired by the "Lingnan Trilogy" will also be introduced to the public, bringing the beauty of Lingnan arts into everyday life.

Performance Details

Loong

Poster of Loong