The Shanghai Ballet premiered its latest production, The Heartbeat of Muqam, with two performances at the Shanghai International Dance Center on Saturday and Sunday. Inspired by the folk music and dance of the Uygur ethnic group from northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the work represents a creative exploration of intangible cultural heritage through dance.

Muqam, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is a traditional performing art that combines the singing, music and dance of the Uygur ethnic group. "Muqam carries the imprint of cultural exchange and integration along the Silk Road, embodying the shared memories and deep emotions of the Chinese nation," says Ji Pingping, director of the Shanghai Ballet.

Founded in 1979, the Shanghai Ballet has long been committed to presenting Chinese culture through the international language of ballet. "We have discovered many connections between ballet and Xinjiang songs and dances," Ji notes.

The Heartbeat of Muqam not only marks an innovative breakthrough for the Shanghai Ballet but it also represents the use of dance in telling Chinese stories, she adds.

Creating the ballet spanned three years and involved six research trips to Xinjiang. During their visits, the dancers observed that "Muqam lives in the melodies, rhythms and movements of the local people. It is a natural part of their lives and an intuitive expression of emotion," shares principal dancer Qi Bingxue, who plays the protagonist in the production.