"Dragon Boat Racing" is a dance-drama, set to the Cantonese composition of the same name. The Guangdong Dance Ensemble performed the piece in Washington, DC, over the weekend, at the renowned Kennedy Center. It's a story about a love that cannot be, in a time that cannot be forgotten. CGTN's Roee Ruttenberg has more.

The story goes before his father died, He Liunian promised him he'd compose a classical Cantonese masterpiece. That's the music you're hearing. He also promised him he'd marry one woman. But is, in fact, in love with another who shares his passion for music. The scene is 1930s China, under Japanese occupation. He's wife knows she's not his muse. Still, she saves his life's work from a Japanese colonel by giving her own life.

LI XING PRINCIPAL DANCER, "DRAGON BOAT RACING" "I think human emotions are universal. Everyone, no matter what country you're from - when you face disaster or happiness - you feel it the same. So as a dancer, it's easy to just deliver emotions. What's harder here is that the origin of these emotions - the grief, the sorrow - is based on a true story."

The real-life Cantonese composition quote that "inspired a nation" is called Dragon Boat Racing. So is the performance. An ancient Chinese custom, the dragon boats are meant to convey Chinese perseverance during some of the last century's darkest times.

HAN ZHEN CO-DIRECTOR, "DRAGON BOAT RACING" "In China, the dragon boat festival is an activity for the people. Families and friends must all work together. And in doing so, they create a very strong force. In our show, the dragon boat race shows unity and strength between different Chinese groups."

The show is part of an initiative called "Image China", which brings Chinese culture and arts to the US. Dragon Boat Racing premiered in New York two years ago. This year, it stops in Washington, DC and Philadelphia.

LAURENCE SMELSER AUDIENCE MEMBER "Well, first of all I think it was beautifully done, incredibly well set, and good performances. And I'm interested in knowing more about China as a result."

ROEE RUTTENBERG WASHINGTON, DC "Performances like these are part of China's efforts to open up to the world. This, at a time when some are growingly suspicious of China's rise. The artists hope the themes on stage - love, war, and resilience - can transcend borders. Roee Ruttenberg, CGTN, in Washington."