The 18th Wenhua Awards Ceremony was held at the Chongqing Grand Theatre on Nov 4, with the Ejin Horoo Banner Ulan Muqir's dance piece Into the Light winning the Wenhua Program Award. 

This marks the first time Ejin Horoo Banner has received China's highest government accolade in stage arts, and it is the first time in 15 years that a cultural work from Ordos has been honored with a Wenhua Award.

Ejin Horoo Banner Ulan Muqir performs Into the Light on stage. [Photo/WeChat account of Nuan News]

Into the Light was the only dance piece from a county-level troupe to be featured among the Wenhua Awards performances. This accolade not only recognizes the artistic value of the work but also highlights the potential of grassroots cultural teams.

The Ejin Horoo Banner Ulan Muqir spent two years refining Into the Light, evolving through four versions from initial inspiration to its final presentation on the Wenhua stage. During this process, the troupe members also experienced personal growth and transformation.

The dancers perform passionately. [Photo/WeChat account of Nuan News]

Understanding the vitality of cultural heritage, the Ulan Muqir actively engages in "culture into schools and communities" initiatives, collaborating with schools to offer dance, music, and other courses. These efforts plant cultural seeds in the hearts of children, nurturing a generation that cherishes their local heritage.

Additionally, the troupe collaborates extensively with domestic and international art groups, participating in global cultural exchanges. These efforts aim to share grassland culture worldwide, promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Today, the Ejin Horoo Banner Ulan Muqir boasts remarkable achievements in the cultural field. Their artistic creations frequently win national and regional awards, leading the development of Inner Mongolian arts and spreading the "light" of grassland culture far and wide.