A step in the right direction

In 2001, a 72-episode TV drama, Da Zhai Men (Grand Mansion Gate) premiered and dominated the ratings. Directed and written by Guo Baochang, it was about the story of the Beijing-based Bai family set during one of the most tumultuous periods in Chinese history, spanning from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) until World War II.

Peking Opera was a major element used in the TV drama as the leading character, Bai Jingqi, is a big fan of the art form.

Li Jun, a dancer-choreographer of the National Ballet of China, was drawn to the TV drama and of all the roles portrayed in it, his favorite was Bai Yuting, the younger sister of Bai Jingqi, who is so obsessed about Peking Opera star Wan Xiaoju that she gets married to his photo. She spends her whole life in her dream of being with Wan until her death.

Bai Yuting was performed earlier by well-known Chinese actress Jiang Wenli and the role lingered in Li's head for years.

Li decided to adapt the story of Bai Yuting into a ballet piece titled Where to Pour All My Love? The piece will be premiered at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The 20-minute piece is part of the upcoming 12th ballet workshop of the National Ballet of China, which will gather 12 young choreographers to present 10 of their original dance works.