The original ballet Qi Zhi (Flag) by the Guangzhou Ballet Theater was honored with the Dance Drama Award at the 13th Chinese Dance Lotus Award ceremony recently held in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. The Lotus Award, first launched in 1997, stands as the highest accolade in the realm of dance in China.

The ballet is based on the historical event of the Guangzhou Uprising in 1927, which unfolded in South China's Guangdong province. The uprising marked an endeavor by the members of the Communist Party of China to gain control of the city from Kuomintang forces. The central figure of the Guangzhou Uprising, Zhang Tailei (1898-1927), was portrayed in this ballet production.

A stage photo for the ballet Qi Zhi (Flag). [Photo/Yangcheng Evening News]

In recent years, the Guangzhou Ballet Theater, located in Guangzhou's Tianhe district, has created many excellent dance works.

The original ballet group dance Cai Yun Zhui Yue (Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon) was titled the "Best Program" at the 13th National Dance Exhibition in October 2021. Its ballet, The Legend of the White Snake, was awarded as an "Excellent Drama" at the 18th Chinese Drama Festival in November 2023.