On Dec 12, the dance drama Five Stars Rising in the East, presented by China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd. (CAEG) under its Image China program, premiered at Toronto's historic Elgin Theatre, marking the start of a two-week, seven-performance tour across Canada.

Inspired by a Han Dynasty brocade armguard unearthed at the Niya archaeological site in Hotan, Xinjiang, this production tells the story of General Feng, stationed on China's western frontier. Through his friendship with Jiante, son of the Northern State’s leader, and Chunjun, daughter of the Jingjue State’s leader, former conflicts give way to unity.

Since its debut in 2021, the dance drama has been performed more than 100 times. This Canadian tour marks its first international appearance, bringing to life China's cultural heritage for global audiences.

The performance blends diverse dance styles, from the elegant "Lantern Dance" depicting the prosperity of the Jingjue State to a dynamic market scene combining street dance and tap dance. Immersive stage visuals and lighting created a vivid sense of time and space, while costumes faithfully reproduced the colors and patterns of Han Dynasty textiles. Following the premiere, audiences responded with enthusiasm.

Since its launch in 2009, Image China has brought more than 30 Chinese art troupes and over 40 productions to audiences worldwide, staging more than 600 performances across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.