A key project in Shanghai’s cultural support for Xinjiang, The Heartbeat of Muqam centers on the Uyghur Muqam tradition and tells the story of Guli, a young musician who returns to her hometown in search of her cultural roots. Led by playwright Luo Huaizhen and choreographer Wang Ge, the production was developed over three years and six research trips to Xinjiang. It innovatively blends Muqam art with Shanghai-style ballet, showcasing Xinjiang’s unique culture and the charm of its cultural heritage through elegant ballet vocabulary. By exploring contemporary expressions of fine traditional Chinese culture, it also stands as a significant achievement in the innovative practice of giving Shanghai-style ballet both deeper national roots and a wider international reach.
