Symbiosis, BFU's pioneering eco-themed dance poetry and the first of its kind among Chinese universities, premiered at the Tin Ka Ping Gymnasium. The event was attended by President Li Zhaohu, Vice Chairman of University Council Xie Xuewen, and over 1,500 students, faculty, and alumni. Additionally, the online photo stream garnered more than 1.78 million views.

With the theme of "harmony between humanity and nature", Symbiosis draws inspiration from seven iconic ecological elements: mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake, grassland, and desert. These elements are brought to life through seven original dance pieces, blending poetic movement with the essence of ecological civilization to create a captivating vision of harmonious coexistence.

Inspired by traditional Chinese paintings, the dance transforms performers into flowing mountain ranges, symbolizing the majesty of nature. It calls for respect and preservation of the mountains to sustain the treasures of the natural world.

From the pledge to "Keep the Yellow River Clear" to protecting China's "Mother River", this dance highlights water's vital role in nourishing the nation and its close ties to ecological progress.

Forests nurture life. Through sweeping green silk and vivid imagery, the dance portrays the vast beauty of China's forests, symbolizing the nation's journey toward ecological restoration and the creation of lush green landscapes.

The dance reflects heartfelt stories in rural revitalization on China's northern plains, evoking memories of teaching and giving back to the countryside.

Based on true events from the Center for East Asia-Australasian Flyway Studies(CEAAF), the dance tells the story of protecting endangered spoon-billed sandpipers and safeguarding wetlands from pollution.

Through the rhythm of grass, the dance celebrates the themes of life and hope, showcasing the vitality of nature and envisioning a vibrant, green future.

Amid windblown sands, the dance honors the resilience of tamarisk by turning barren deserts into fertile land. It reflects the spirit of perseverance and the remarkable achievements in China's fight against desertification.

"Symbiosis" originally refers to the interdependentand and interactive relationships among organisms for survival. In the dance poem Symbiosis, this concept is extended to reflect the essence of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization: achieving harmony between humanity and nature. It also celebrates the interconnected vitality and mutual prosperity of a ecosystem of mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake, grassland, and desert as a shared community of life.

The 80-minute ecological dance poem Symbiosis was choreographed by Mo Qihui, an alumna from the class of 2006, and performed entirely by students, primarily from the Dance Ensemble of the Student Art Troupe. The piece has been honored as a Beijing Campus Culture Excellence Project and a flagship Cultural Inheritance and Innovation initiative under BFU's "Double First-Class" development plan.

Written by Zhang Huiying, Qiao Zhi
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang