Quick Answer: What Is The Red Detachment of Women Ballet?
The Red Detachment of Women (Hongse Niangzijun, 红色娘子军, Hóngsè Niángzǐjūn) is a Chinese narrative ballet that premiered in Beijing in 1964. Adapted from an earlier film, it follows Qionghua (琼花, Qiónghuā) as she escapes an abusive household and joins a women’s military unit in 1930s Hainan.[1][3]
- Source film: Xie Jin’s 1961 feature uses actors and dialogue.[2]
- Ballet: The stage production has its own music and choreography credits.[1]
- Filmed ballet: UCLA catalogs a 1970 screen version with Xue Jinghua among the cast.[3]
Use the year and medium in the credit line to choose the version you want to watch.
The ballet tells its story through the way a dancer moves alone or with a group. Follow Qionghua’s position in a scene and listen for how the orchestra marks a shift between her movement and a group passage.
From Xie Jin’s Film to the Ballet
Xie Jin directed the 1961 feature from a screenplay by Liang Xin. The National Ballet of China lists the stage premiere at Beijing’s Tianqiao Theatre on September 26, 1964. It credits Li Chengxiang, Wang Xixian and Jiang Zuhui with choreography.[1][2]
The ballet’s setting and revolutionary plot belong to a period of experiments in Chinese stage dance. The East Is Red is a music-and-dance epic from the same year, built from a series of historical scenes.[5]
Listen for the Theme and the Group Pulse
The ballet company credits Wu Zuqiang, Du Mingxin, Dai Hongwei, Shi Wanchun and Wang Yanqiao for the score. Huang Zhun receives the separate credit for The Song of the Detachment. Wu also adapted the erhu solo Moon Reflected on Erquan for strings.[1][4]
When the group dances together, try following the rhythm under the melody. Listen for the places where the pulse makes the dancers’ movement feel unified and where the orchestra leaves more room for an individual gesture.
Watch How the Choreography Tells the Story
Classical ballet technique helps distinguish characters and groups in the story. In one study of the filmed choreography, Rosemary Roberts contrasts quick steps on pointe with the wide lunges of other dancers in the same group scene. Watch how the choreography positions the lead and changes the focus within the group.[6]
For another way a contemporary revolutionary subject entered ballet, compare The White-Haired Girl, adapted from a different story and theatrical tradition.[5]
Identify the Version in the Credits
| 作り方 | 見分けるポイント |
|---|---|
| 1961 feature | Xie Jin’s direction and a narrative film cast |
| 1964 stage ballet | National Ballet of China and choreographer credits |
| 1970 ballet film in UCLA’s catalog | Xue Jinghua and the filmed stage choreography |
A study of the ballet film notes the saturated costume colors and stylized sets. This can help identify a clip where the title is the only initial clue. The same story was also adapted for 中国伝統演劇 in another adaptation.[2][3][7]
FAQs About The Red Detachment of Women Ballet
When did the ballet premiere?
The company dates the premiere to September 26, 1964, at Beijing’s Tianqiao Theatre.[1]
Who composed the ballet’s music?
The company names Wu Zuqiang, Du Mingxin, Dai Hongwei, Shi Wanchun and Wang Yanqiao. Huang Zhun is credited separately for the theme song.[1][4]
Which film shows the ballet?
UCLA’s archive lists the 1970 filmed ballet separately from Xie Jin’s 1961 feature.[2][3]
出典
[1] National Ballet of China. The Red Detachment of Women: Repertory and Credits
[2] UCLA Film and Television Archive. The East Is Red and Red Detachment of Women
[3] UCLA Film and Television Archive. The Red Detachment of Women: Ballet Film
[4] National Centre for the Performing Arts, China. The Red Detachment of Women: 60th Anniversary
[5] Emily Wilcox, University of California Press. A Revolt from Within: Contextualizing Revolutionary Ballet
[6] Rosemary Roberts, Intersections. Performing Gender in Maoist Ballet
[7] Screen, Oxford University Press. Did Madame Mao Dream in Technicolor?