Scenes from the dance drama Blue and White: Impression of China. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The dance drama Blue and White: Impression of China, produced and performed by artists of the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, was performed from Aug 16 to 18 at Beijing's Poly Theatre.

Inspired by the qingbai (blue and white) porcelain of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), which is known for its delicate beauty and characterized by its translucent glaze and intricate designs, the production features a combination of classical Chinese dance and contemporary movements. It tells a story about a young man from the Song Dynasty who travels from northern to southern China to learn the skills of making qingbai porcelain.

The dance drama pays tribute to the porcelain-making craftsmanship and shows reverence for tradition.

The creative team, including director-choreographer Yi Jie and composer Lyu Liang, made several trips to Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province where the qingbai porcelain has been widely produced. Amid the bustling workshops and ancient kilns, the artists delved into the techniques and traditions by visiting museums and speaking to artisans.

Following the Beijing stop, the dance drama will make tour stops in cities such as Hangzhou in Zhejiang province and Xi'an in Shaanxi province.