Digging deep for true love

Jin Xing's fascination with The Peony Pavilion started in 1999 after an unhappy episode with the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Company. They wanted to revive the ancient opera with elements of modern dance, while her minimalist approach was deemed "not modern enough".

"I had to compromise so I did a silly dance number to satisfy them," says the no-nonsense choreographer.

The experience had its upside, though - Jin became fascinated with the 16th century Chinese drama about love, death and resurrection written by Tang Xianzu (1550-1616) and decided to adapt it into a dance.