Li Yili is the vice president of Wuxi Arts and Performance Group.

Li, a national second level actress, was a professional dancer before she took over the post in 2013. Since the rehearsal started on March 7, she has also lost her weekends along with the Manas performance group

Li went to Aheqi county a few years ago to help improve the regulation in Aheqi Dance Troupe. She met with Lin Xiaoyi, deputy county Party secretary of Aheqi and a volunteer to assist Aheqi from Wuxi, who persuade her to put Manas, the Kirgiz forefather, into the stage. “Since we decide to do it, we are determined to make up a performance matching with the amazing epic,” said Li.

The dance drama is an in-depth cooperation between Wuxi and Aheqi dancers. All dances are played by half Wuxi dancers and half Aheqi dancers. After the performances in Wuxi, Kirgiz dancers will bring a short edition of Manas to Aheqi so that the dance drama can be a permanent program in Kirgiz areas.

Wuxi Arts and Performance Group made efforts to help Kirgiz dancers adapt to local life. When they came to Wuxi in March, many of them never expected to meet the low temperature. The staff and dancers in Wuxi gave away winter clothes to them. Besides, a special team bought meals from a Muslim canteen in Jiangnan University for Kirgiz dancers every day.

Two renowned Kirgiz directors were invited to monitor the rehearsal. Li said about the preparations, “we are tring to make the dance drama conform to the Kirgiz culture at a maximum level and wish it win acclaims among the Kirgiz audience.”

Dance performances are not so popular as films or pop stars’ solo in China. Li said efforts have been made, including adding media exposure and giving away coupons. “We are trying to make more people know it and gradually love it. We are taking the first step and will keep doing it,” said Li.