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A scene from the dance drama Xi Shi. [Photo/Tide News]

Chinese dance drama Xi Shi recently made its debut in South Korea from July 26 to Aug 2, offering audiences a vivid portrayal of one of China's ancient "Four Beauties" and her legendary life.

The dance drama follows the life of its titular heroine, Xi Shi, against the backdrop of China's Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), weaving a narrative rich with themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue.

The drama introduces South Korean audiences to China's profound historical culture, blending elegant classical music and choreography that reflects both traditional and contemporary Chinese aesthetics.

Xi Shi, originally named Shi Yiguang, was a beauty from the State of Yue who was sent as a "gift" to King Fu Chai of Wu by King Gou Jian of Yue. Her presence at the Wu court distracted Fu Chai, leading to the weakening of his kingdom's defenses, and ultimately, its downfall.

The dance drama reimagines this ancient tale, focusing on the contemporary relevance of Xi Shi's character. Chief director Wang Taorui highlighted the production's emphasis on Eastern aesthetics and the blending of historical elements with modern performance.

In terms of choreography, the audience was treated to a revival of an ancient form of tap dance, believed to have been pioneered by Xi Shi over 2,000 years ago. The performance also integrated elements of the "Boat Fist" martial arts from the Wu and Yue cultures, seamlessly transforming traditional fist movements into dance.

Since its premiere in June 2023, Xi Shi has toured 18 cities, including Hangzhou, Shanghai, Changsha, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen, with a total of 35 performances. The production has drawn thousands of theatergoers and generated hundreds of thousands of views, clicks, and shares across major social media platforms.