A dance piece titled Lotus Flowers in the Sun, created and choreographed by the Tongzhou District Cultural Center, was staged at a variety show on China Central Television (CCTV) on May 19.

Tongzhou artists perform Lotus Flowers in the Sun at a variety show on CCTV on May 19. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The work is derived from the lotus plate dance, a Jiangsu provincial intangible cultural heritage (ICH) item. It dates back to the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) dynasties and was originally popular in the towns of Shigang, Shizong, and Qiyi in Tongzhou.

The dance was traditionally performed during folk celebrations and blessing rituals. On the 24th day of the sixth month on traditional Chinese calendar, locals would gather by lotus ponds to celebrate the birthday of the Lotus Fairy. Dancing with lotus-shaped plate lanterns in their hands, they offered prayers for good fortune and peace.

The traditional version, however, had limitations. Dancers used porcelain plates with wax candles inside, which required a dark indoor setting and posed safety risks.

In early 2024, the cultural center began updating the dance. The team replaced the old props with simulated lotus flowers made of lightweight silk, allowing performances anywhere from stages to outdoor squares. They also adjusted the choreography and music, adding livelier rhythms while preserving classic moves.

As the first ICH dance piece produced by local grassroots artists in Tongzhou to be featured on a CCTV stage, Lotus Flowers in the Sun is of great significance.