To interpret classical Chinese literature with ballet — the first attempt in her career — Tong stuck to the principle that each character should be rooted in traditional Chinese culture, but their personality traits would be illustrated through the language of ballet.

"We made some explorations and combinations in this work, and I believe that the language of both literature and ballet is universal. Through art and this work, everyone can understand traditional Chinese culture. They can see how we have expressed our own Chinese stories with Western techniques and let them shine on the international stage," she adds.

To convey the subtle emotions of the characters through dance, principal dancer Qiu Yunting, who performs the leading female role of Lin Daiyu, says she has read the classic literary work and reviewed the TV adaptations of the story many times.

"Lin is one of the most eye-catching characters in the story, who is well known not only in China but also overseas. Her role carried high expectations, so I felt a responsibility to bring the image of Lin to audiences with a fresh look," says Qiu.

Unlike previous portrayals of the heroine Lin, which often had a melancholic feel, Qiu's interpretation in the performance was much bolder and filled with more energy.

"I want the audience to see a different Daiyu. There are some beautiful qualities in her. In the scene of Daiyu burying the flowers, she is no longer a very weak girl. There is some firmness in her heart, and she has some strength," Qiu adds.