Dance drama presents a timeless portrayal of fighting and fabric

The dance drama Wing Chun revitalizes the ancient Chinese martial art of Wing Chun by infusing it with contemporary energy, offering a rich source of inspiration for modern performing arts.

Originating in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Wing Chun was recognized as a representative intangible cultural heritage item of Guangdong province in 2012, eventually attaining national status in 2021.

Wing Chun is a practical martial art that incorporates fast punches, short knives, long sticks and close combat. It offers a streamlined and effective self-defense system, featuring core techniques such as siu nim tao (little idea). Compared with other traditional Chinese martial arts, Wing Chun places greater emphasis on quickly subduing the opponent to minimize harm.

Kung fu goes beyond mere victory or defeat; it is a journey toward personal development and self-cultivation. Ip Chun, the son of Wing Chun master Ip Man, said: "Traditional martial arts stress the equal importance of learning techniques and martial virtues. Therefore, Wing Chun places a strong emphasis on nurturing the traditional virtues of its students. Every master sets an example through their actions, hoping their disciples learn both the art and how to be good individuals."

Wing Chun showcases not only martial arts but also the traditional Lingnan fabric xiangyunsha, which is used in the costumes and has its intricate production process woven into the plot.

Xiangyunsha is an ancient handmade fabric native to the Lingnan region. Its production is the most complex among silk products. The silk is dyed using shuliang, a type of Chinese yam, then covered with mineral-laden river mud specific to the Pearl River Delta and repeatedly sun-dried. The entire process requires 14 techniques, 36 steps and a maturation period of one to three years before it is deemed ready for use.

Historical records show that as early as the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, xiangyunsha was exported overseas on a large scale, selling at the high price of 12 taels of silver per bolt, making it as precious as gold.

By the 1930s, xiangyunsha had become popular across China, particularly in Shanghai and Beijing. It was highly coveted by prominent figures during the Republic of China period (1912-49), including Soong Ching Ling.

The peak period for Guangdong's silk industry was between 1922 and 1925, with thousands of silk weaving factories flourishing in towns like Xiqiao in Nanhai county and Lunjiao in Shunde county.

However, in the wake of World War II, the silk industry in Guangdong faced profound challenges due to wartime disruptions and the emergence of synthetic silks. Consequently, xiangyunsha was nearly driven to extinction by the mid-20th century.

It wasn't until the 1990s that the fabric saw a revival, thanks to the efforts of the People's Republic of China's first generation of fashion designers. In 2008, its production technique was designated a national intangible cultural heritage item.

Creativity has breathed new life into this ancient fabric, and as today's people pay more attention to environmental friendliness and cultural sophistication, this all-natural material continues to shine on the global fashion stage with its timeless allure.