A stage photo of Flying Apsaras: Splendid Chapters of the Silk Road. [Photo/Lanzhou Daily]

The original stage drama Flying Apsaras: Splendid Chapters of the Silk Road premiered in Lanzhou, Gansu province on the evening of Dec 18.

Created by the Art Vocational College of Lanzhou University of Arts and Science, this production represents another significant achievement in Dunhuang dance, following the college's previous works.

Consisting of 14 pieces, the performance vividly brings the art of Dunhuang to the stage. It features soaring apsaras, majestic heavenly guardians, dynamic drum and pipa (a four-stringed Chinese lute), blending strength with grace, and elegant portrayals of Mogao Grottoes sculptures, earning sustained applause from the audience.

For years, the college has been developing a specialized Dunhuang dance teaching system, committed to transforming the cultural heritage of the Mogao Grottoes into a living dance art form.

This latest production is also a key outcome of a provincial talent development project focused on innovating men's Dunhuang dance repertoire. A college representative said that the drama helps address a shortage of high-quality performances and trained professionals in this specific genre.

Through a "classroom-stage-practice" model, it combines education with performance, advancing both talent development and artistic creation.