The renowned American dancer Martha Graham used to say: Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion. Here in China, Hu Yang, a lead dancer with the China Opera and Dance Drama Theatre exemplifies this well. His passion for traditional Chinese literature and music helps him bring to life unforgettable roles on the stage.

Choreographed by Hu Yang himself, the dance "Shi Feng", or "Characteristics of Chinese Intellectuals", was invited to be staged during a dance festival at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in 2017.

Based on the story of seven hermits living in the 3rd century, the dance is an ode to the spirit of Chinese intellectuals who broke away from the mundane world.

HU YANG CHINESE DANCER "The Chinese word 'Shi' is sacred to me. It refers to a particular group of ancient Chinese intellectuals who were never enslaved by materialism and pursued freedom throughout their life. These people revealed an extraordinary breadth of vision and integrity."

It seems natural that Hu Yang was cast into the leading role in the dance drama "Confucius". It's Hu Yang's first major role since he joined the China Opera and Dance Drama Theatre in 2013.

He spent several months reading anything he could find that related to the ancient philosopher. He also visited Confucius's hometown in Qufu is east China's Shandong Province.

Gradually, these efforts conjured up an image of Confucius in Hu Yang's mind, and it's not the stereotype of a rigid missionary.

HU YANG CHINESE DANCER "When we started rehearsing, some people wondered how we could make a Saint like Confucius dance. Actually, historic records show that Confucius was a master of music and dance. And Confucius had legions of followers in his time. He must have had some mesmerizing power and he couldn't have been a very boring person. So we decided to portray Confucius as a happy man full of positive energy."

"Confucius" proved to be a huge hit. After its premiere in 2013 in Beijing, the dance drama has played throughout Asia, Europe and Australia. In 2017, the play took the stage at the Lincoln Center in New York.

Critics have described the production as "a cultural calling card for China".

In addition to "Confucius", Hu Yang also portrayed several other historic figures on the stage, including poet Li Bai and Cheng Ying in the "Orphan of the Zhao Family".

He seizes every one of these opportunities to deepen his understanding of the essence of Chinese culture.

HU YANG CHINESE DANCER "I devote myself wholeheartedly to each of my missions. But I don't push myself too hard. For me, a pleasant life and a good mood in the process are most important. I appreciate Li Bai who followed no rules when writing poems and just let his imagination run wild. This is a state that I want to achieve."

Besides rehearsing and performing, Hu Yang leads a simple and peaceful life. Reading occupies much of his spare time.

Amid all the hustle and bustle of modern times, he acquires tranquility when immersing himself in traditional culture and history.

YANG SIYU HU YANG'S FRIEND "Sometimes I feel like Hu Yang is an ancient man traveling to the modern world. While we young men are listening to pop music and playing video games, he is reading, enjoying tea and writing calligraphy. I think that's why he presents a special temperament on the stage."

HU YANG CHINESE DANCER "When the day comes that I can't dance anymore, I will go somewhere quiet to spend the rest of my life, maybe somewhere close to a mountain. The texts of Chinese Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi have exerted a great influence on me. Zhuangzi promoted a carefree life and harmony between humans and nature. That's also my ultimate goal."