Advancing through Dance — Premiere Success of “Dance Drama:
Dragon Boat” Showcases Intangible Cultural Heritage in Macao
To mark the grand opening of the 15th National Games, “Sands China Performing Arts Programme” has brought the large-scale stage production “Dance Drama: Dragon Boat,” created by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre, to Macao for the first time. This landmark performance not only deepens the overseas dissemination of Chinese culture but also marks the international debut of a national-level production centered on the theme of dragon boat racing.
Patronised by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Office and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, the dance drama was jointly produced by the Publicity Department of the Guangzhou Municipal Committee of the CPC; Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau; Publicity Department of the Foshan Shunde District Committee of the CFC (Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shunde District), and co-produced by the Guangzhou Cultural Development Group Co., Ltd. It was organised by Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre and Macau Yifeng Entertainment Co., Ltd., and co-organised by Sands China Ltd.
Premiering at The Venetian Theatre in Macao, the production invited audiences to join a dynamic cultural spectacle. Drawing inspiration from traditional elements such as “mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship” and “rower training systems,” the creative team reimagined exhilarating racing scenes through harmonious yet powerful choreography, enhanced by multimedia visuals of “water waves” and “dragon scales.” Setting sail with intangible cultural heritage, the performance rides the waves of contemporary artistry.
This tour unveiled a new dimension of “revitalizing cultural heritage” — blending traditional dragon boat spirit with modern expression. At the same time, it celebrates the ethos of coexistence and diversity central to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The performance vividly captures the regional spirit of “united collaboration,” amplifying cultural resonance for the 15th National Games.
The premiere night saw a full house and an electric atmosphere. Distinguished guests in attendance included Ms. Bai Bing, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; leaders from the Guangdong Provincial Publicity Department; Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Mr. Cheang Kai Meng, Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Ms. Mu Xinxin, Vice Chairwoman of the Guangdong Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Council Member of the China Theatre Association; Ms. Lau Fong Chi, Director of Tourism Promotion of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Jia Tianbing, President of the Bank of China Macao Branch; Mr. Ip Siu Kai, Chairman of the Macau Association of Banks; Ms. Yu Chunkun, General Manager of the ICBC Card Business Department; Professor Song Yonghua, Rector of the University of Macau; Mr. Shum Yat Kuong, Vice President of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions; Ms. Catherine Kong, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Affairs of Sands China Ltd.; Representatives of Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre; and Mr. Zhou Lingxun, CEO of Macao Artwind Entertainment Co., Ltd. Together, they witnessed a milestone in Macao’s cultural calendar.
The premiere of “Dance Drama: Dragon Boat” resonated deeply with the local audience and attracted numerous art enthusiasts from home and abroad. With expressive movements and resounding drumbeats, the performers vividly portrayed the grandeur of dragon boat racing, fully embodying the unity and competitive spirit central to the Dragon Boat Festival. Thunderous applause and high enthusiasm filled the venue throughout.
After the performance, the audience’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One viewer praised, “This was not only a stunning audio-visual feast, but also gave us a fresh perspective on traditional Chinese festival culture. We were deeply enchanted by the unique charm of the Lingnan water towns.” A local parent shared, “After watching the show, my child insisted on learning dragon boat dance. Who knew intangible cultural heritage could be so cool!”
The excitement extended beyond the stage. Following the show, lead performers made a surprise appearance to interact with fans and held a book-signing event. The lively atmosphere pushed the night’s cultural exchange to new heights.
The large-scale contemporary production “Dance Drama: Dragon Boat” will continue at The Venetian Theatre in Macao until June 15, offering residents and visitors additional opportunities to experience the vibrant force of intangible cultural heritage through the lens of contemporary performing arts.
