When She Stops Being Dramatic novel Chapter 287

Chapter 287: Chapter 112: The Top Star of the 1960s Cultural Troupe (51)

No one knew how different the final image would be from what Xia Zhaoyun had imagined.

The stage was covered with soft, snow-white silk. The girls had changed into their performance costumes and were taking deep breaths, preparing backstage.

Xia Zhaoyun chuckled and said, "I’ll say it again: don’t feel pressured, everyone. We’ve practiced for a month and a half and have nailed every detail. Now is the time to iron out any remaining issues."

"If we get through these next few days, we’ll be halfway to success!"

This time, they were using genuine pigments for traditional Chinese painting, stepping and smearing them onto high-quality silk.

In the audience were Vice Factory Director Zhao, the head of the labor union, Mr. Xue, and Teacher Su, as well as a huge group of the girls’ friends and family!

Everyone was there to witness the results of Group Three’s month and a half of work.

An ethereal flute melody seemed to drift from the horizon, faint and indistinct, as a group of women in red dresses and light, white, hooded capes gracefully appeared.

The Kun dance, "Winter’s Charm," possessed the pure, graceful beauty of snow. It was a gentle, immersive aesthetic, every movement imbued with a Xiahua-style "grace"—a legacy refined over millennia.

As the snow melted, the sound of a fine, dense spring rain began, and women in light blue, wide-sleeved dresses swayed onto the stage.

This was a Han-Tang dance, majestic and grand. Its static and dynamic postures created a unique physical grace, requiring the dancers to express it with perfect synchronization.

The light, flying sleeves, soft and flowing, were like the unfurling of spring itself.

Then came the summer rain. Girls full of exotic flair and fiery passion leaped onto the stage. Their movements were unique yet elegant, serene yet dazzling in their variety. Though few in number, they offered a glimpse into a mysterious world, creating a spectacular, dizzying display. It was like a hundred flowers blooming in summer, each one a peerless beauty.

This was a treasure of Xiahua, refined over thousands of years, a brilliant gem in world culture. Simple movements could give rise to a unique charm, yet they never strayed from the classical aesthetic of Xiahua.

An autumn wind blew, and girls in modern attire—black pants and orange tops—surged forward with joyful energy.

The four major schools of dance are among the most representative styles of Xiahua dance, having been refined over time.

Teacher Su couldn’t help but exclaim with admiration, "It’s true what they say: the new waves of the Yangtze push the old ones forward, and new people replace the old. We’re really getting old. The younger generation is truly formidable!"

Mr. Xue smiled and nodded. "The future of our country belongs to them."

The girls of Group Three, panting slightly, listened to the thunderous applause, their hearts nearly overflowing with joy and pride.

Vice Factory Director Zhao immediately claimed the painting, saying he would have it framed and mounted in the most conspicuous place at the factory entrance, opposite the propaganda bulletin board!

After this performance, the girls’ initial anxiety completely vanished, and they trained even harder.

Soon, the day of the dress rehearsal arrived. The factory sent two buses to take the girls of the song and dance troupe, their teachers, the prop masters, the makeup artists, and other staff like the officers from the publicity department, heading for the city in a grand procession!

In contrast to the confident, victory-assured attitude of the Group Three girls, the girls from Group One were heavy-hearted, especially Jie Xiaoqin, who had previously been certain she would make it into the Central Political Department.