On October 19, the 36th Golden Autumn Dance Competition was held at Meiyuan Playground, against a backdrop of gentle rain. As soon as the hosts had enthusiastically opened this annual artistic competition, the 23 teams danced onto the stage to perform romantic stories of youth and exciting times at Wuhan University.

Scene from Mulan

‘I'll get a horse of hardy race and serve in my father's place.’ Mulan, the strong and brave heroine of Chinese literature, has had an important influence on later generations. In Mulan, with fire blazing in the background, performers danced with rhythmic vigor, bringing the heroine’s indomitable image to life.

Scene from Flowers for Today

As traditional musical notes rang through the air, the performers of Flowers for Today slowly unfurled a historical picture scroll, taking us on a journey through the old glorious days, with their elegant and refined movements.

Scene from Chasing

Chasing took us back to a period of intermittent pain. It tells a story in which the protagonist overcomes setbacks, reconciles with herself to become stronger, and embarks on a new life filled with hope and dreams, delivering the value of courage and confidence to everyone.

Scene from Splendid Attire

Mountains as home, rivers as reliance, people wear traditional clothes, sing Yi songs loudly, and dance in the unique ethnic style. In Splendid Attire, performers use well-choreographed steps to convey auspicious blessings to family and the beloved motherland.

Scene from A Dream of Red Mansions-Garden Visits

This is acharming song from A Dream of Red Mansions that never fades. It is a vivid illusion within a dreamland that never ends. It is also a moving tragedy that will never become stale. Lights cast on the twelve beauties of Jinling soften their faces, blurring the boundary between fiction and reality, and endowing the scene with a captive charm that will never be forgotten.

Scene from Flying Apsaras

We always long for flight, just like our ancestors. When the dancers from Flying Apsaras waved their glittering long sleeves on stage, it seemed that the immortals of the myths might suddenly appear. From Dunhuang to Wuhan, from history to the present, from fantasy to reality, the steps towards the universe will never end.

Scene from The Age of Awakening

In The Age of Awakening, dancers hail those youths who fought to pursue the awakening light in the dark era. Rising again after falling, they ultimately raise the book toward the sky, symbolizing the victory of truth and justice. Under the same sun, the power of their greatness remains alive and inspiring.

Scene from The Dream of the Forest

Come and wander with butterflies, swans and elves. As The Dream of the Forest began, the doors to a magical fairy tale world swung open, inviting the audience to enjoy the wonderful paradise together.

This year’s golden autumn dance competition may have come to an end, but its touching sentiment will linger on. Still drunk in the visual feast, we look forward to reuniting at the foot of Luojia Hill next year when the leaves turn golden again.

Photo by Chen Hui, Li Mingqian, Liu Haina

Edited by Zhao Linshan