Stage beckons, festive spirit resonates overseas

The rehearsal hall in Dubai is steeped in hushed anticipation. Dozens, then hundreds of voices, blend into seamless harmony — the deep, steadfast tones of the men intertwining with the luminous, soaring notes of the women. Their unified chorus of My Motherland and I fills the space with profound emotions.

This is a snapshot of preparations for the 12th edition of the Overseas Chinese Spring Festival Gala in Dubai, themed "Eternal Brilliance". Before every Spring Festival, overseas Chinese communities across the globe stage a variety of cultural and artistic performances and the Dubai one ranks among the largest in scale.

The two-hour gala boasts a rich and diverse lineup, encompassing dance, vocal performances, acrobatics, and instrumental music, all bearing a distinct hallmark of Chinese elements.

Since early October, over 500 Chinese residents in the United Arab Emirates and other countries, aged 8 to over 80, have been devoting their weekends to rehearsals. The gala seeks to artistically integrate modern technology with traditional culture, articulating the shared emotions of overseas Chinese who span continents yet remain bound by their roots.

This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March (1934-36).

The gala's four-chapter narrative — from "Galloping horses welcome spring", "Long March Spirit shines with sun and moon", "Unbroken blood ties" to "Riding the wind for global peace" — echoes this spirit, said Li Dongxia, who has lived in the UAE for 25 years and directed all the 12 galas.

"Without the motherland's prosperity and strength, overseas Chinese cannot hold their heads high with dignity. It is a fresh interpretation of the 'Long March Spirit' in the new era, a solemn testament to our nation and a profound expression of our roots," said Li, also chairman of the UAE Chinese Qipao Association.

This sentiment resonates deeply with the performers, who hail from 13 countries, including China, the UAE, the United States, Germany and South Africa.

Capturing the collective sentiment of the community, Lei Yulin, a participant for 11 consecutive years, said: "Every rehearsal is an expression of emotion of longing for the motherland, care for family and hope for the future. In Dubai, we tell China's story to the world in our own way. The gala has not only granted me a sense of artistic belonging but also allowed me to feel the attachment shared by all overseas Chinese. Every time I take the stage, it feels like coming home."

From the Gulf to South Asia and Australia, the spirit of Spring Festival resonates widely.