The lead dancer Zhu Jiejing says the choreography in the drama is unique as it combines ballet and body movements that are typical in classical Chinese dance, and also includes movements imitating the crested ibises.

Viewers say the dancers' embodiment of the birds was impressive.

"I liked the dichotomy between the movement that is supposed to be human and the movement that is supposed to be bird, and the merging of the two," says J.T. Horenstein, adding that the dance drama is unique as it merges contemporary ballet with traditional Chinese dance.

Since its premiere in China on Oct 7, 2014, Soaring Wings has been staged nearly 200 performances in China and other Asian countries.

The dance drama was performed on Saturday and Sunday at the Lincoln Center.

On Jan 11 and 12, it will be staged at Shubert Theater in the Boch Center in Boston.