Feature: Legend of Mulan dance show enjoyed by American viewers

American spectators were moved by a dance show of the Chinese legendary story of Mulan depicting the life of a famous woman warrior in ancient China, which made its debut at the Lincoln Center here Thursday for a three day show.

Despite a snowstorm hitting New York City, about 2,000 American viewers were present to watch the performance on the first day of the show. It was the first time for the Hong Kong Dance Company to bring to a stage outside Asia an inspiring retelling of the famous household folktale in a dance drama.

The couple of Browns, who came from Connecticut, told Xinhua that they are over-70-year-old retired merchants and took more than an hour of train ride to come to watch the show.

"I like the dance, and I like the way how the show tells the story, and the music form as well," said Mr. Brown.

Mulan is a legendary figure from ancient China who was originally presented in an old Chinese poem known as the Ballad of Mulan dating back to the fifth century AD.

Mulan, a peasant girl, disguised herself as a man to join the army in place of her aged father. She fought for a decade to the rank of general and gained much respect. In the end she gave up an official position and returned to her hometown.

Traditional Chinese virtues are exemplified through her unusual adventures in the touching story. Mulan showed extraordinary courage when it came to protecting her country and family.

"It's very interesting. We can understand it's a very beautiful traditional Chinese story," said Ms. Brown.

Over time, the story of Mulan rose in popularity as a folktale and became widely taught in schools.

It has also inspired a number of screen and stage adaptations, including the animated Disney movie released in 1998.

Jiang Qing, a famous dancer, who resides in Sweden, told Xinhua that the show uses ballet as the narrating language, and combines Chinese Gong Fu (Martial arts) with contemporary Western dance elements.

"It's really wonderful," she said.

The Legend of Mulan won two Hong Kong Dance Awards in 2014 for Outstanding Production and Outstanding Ensemble Performance. Endi