Enchangting story of a princess set to captivate audiences

"I have spent most of my life dancing and I believe that traditional Chinese dance, which contains so much history, culture and Chinese philosophy, is very captivating and inspiring. It's very expressive and tells a lot beyond words," says Tang.

One of the most touching moments in the dance drama, as Tang says, is the ending, when Wang looks back on her life.

"Most of the people who accompanied Wang Zhaojun to travel to the Xiongnu tribe had died. She missed them and her home. She held a handful of earth she took from her home and she felt less alone," says Tang. "Though I couldn't talk to her or go back to her time, I share her feelings as a woman. I am deeply touched whenever I dance that part of the performance."

"We all have the experience of traveling far away from home, to study or to pursue our career dream. The story of Wang Zhaojun is still related to our lives today," says the dance drama's choreographer and director Kong Dexin.

Wang Zhaojun is one of the three dance dramas by the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater, which will tour more than 20 Chinese cities for over a year to celebrate the 100th birthday of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

Besides live performances, artists from China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater will go to art schools and local communities to give workshops and dance classes for children and seniors.