The Red Thread (Le Fil Rouge), a China-France musical and choreographic work planned by the CPAFFC, Beijing International Culture & Art Corp., Ltd and Pavillon Rouge Rouge des Arts, was created and performed from April 16 to May 23 in China. The project was lauched as part of 2014 Croisements Festival in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic establishemnt between China and France. President Li Xiaolin and French ambassador Sylvie Bermann wrote inscriptions for the performances. Vice President Xie Yuan attended the press conference and watched its debut.

The Red Thread held 4 performances in China that were highly credited by the audience, and will tour France in September. The project has support from French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, French Ministry of Culture, French Embassy in China, French Cultural Center, and French Consulate General in Guangzhou. CCTV-10 recorded the rehearsal in a 40-minute documentary. China National Radio, China Radio International and other mainstream media gave special coverage of the project. 

The idea of the dance comes from French choreographer Kilina Cremona who is inspired by and shares personal tragedy with Chinese dancer Liu Yan. As a leading dancer, Liu Yan got injured in an accident during the last rehearsal before the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She had to bid farewell to the stage and adjust to life on wheelchair. Kilina Cremona, an accomplished contemporary dancer, was disabled by a hearing impairment overnight. She left the stage since then and embarked on choreography. At the news of Liu Yan’s injury, Kilina decided to bring her back to stage. The idea of their cooperation was materialized by the 50th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations.

In addition to the tour, French special educationists held 3 art workshops respectively for deaf, blind and normal children in Beijing and Guangzhou, where children are exposed to music and drama, and told that every child, disabled or not, has the right and opportunity to enjoy arts and to mount the stage.

The tour of The Red Thread enables true cultural interactions and exchanges between China and France，in a sense that it is ont only a fantastic performance, but a spiritual feast showing people strength and human concern.