The greatest challenge was getting the performers, from 10 to 34 years old, to move in synchrony. Moreover, the directing team would change the dance steps every day.

"But despite everything, the dancers were very cooperative. We encouraged each other from the first day till the last minute of the final rehearsal," Li says.

"The troupe is like a big, warm family. The teachers and artists understand each other very well and our mutual love and care are beyond words," she says.

"Most of the time, I don't feel like their teacher rather (I feel) like their mother and sister. It would break my heart not to see them every day."

By Lin Qi