Ordos dance production wins top national cultural award

On Tuesday, at the closing ceremony of the 14th China Art Festival, the dance production "Into the Light" from Ordos, Inner Mongolia, won the 18th Wenhua Award, a top honor in China's performing arts.

The Wenhua Award, presented by the Chinese government, is regarded as the highest national accolade for stage art. This year's award is especially meaningful for Ordos, marking its return to the national stage after 15 years, following earlier Wenhua Award wins in 1993 and 2010.

Created by the Ulan Muqir troupe of Ejin Horo Banner, "Into the Light" centers on the theme of pursuing light. Through the poetic encounter and shared dance of an elderly man reliving his youth and a young girl chasing her dreams, the performance explores the meaning of life and the persistence of hope. With its unique artistic perspective and profound cultural expression, the piece resonates deeply with audiences.

The production carries forward Ulan Muqir's long-standing tradition of drawing inspiration from everyday life and celebrating sincerity, while integrating contemporary aesthetics. By blending the bold vitality of ethnic dance with innovative modern concepts, "Into the Light" presents both cultural depth and emotional resonance—every movement reflecting the sentiments of ordinary people.

The success of "Into the Light" stands as a tribute to Ulan Muqir's enduring mission to dance for the people and sing for the times, and affirms Ordos's growing strength in high-quality cultural creation.

Going forward, Ordos will continue to cultivate its cultural heritage and regional identity, creating more works that embody the city's warmth, vitality, and the spirit of unity among its diverse ethnic communities.