Four performances. That is all New York gets this September when the China Ningbo Performance & Arts Group brings its award-winning dance drama *MULAN* to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. This is not just another touring production, darling. This is the China Dance Lotus Award winner, the highest honor in Chinese dance, landing on our shores for a fleeting moment. It reminds me of the intimate work we saw from Seen, Supported, and Strong: Adia Anselmi's NYC Performance Explores Connection earlier this month, where the power was in the raw, personal connection rather than sheer spectacle. But where Anselmi gave us a quiet, solo exploration, *MULAN* promises a sweeping, visually resplendent reimagining of the legendary warrior. It is a different kind of strength, a different kind of story, yet the heartbeat is the same: a woman stepping into her own power.
We talk a lot on this page about embracing your inner queen, about finding that fierce confidence that lets you take on the world. But let's be honest, sometimes that journey starts with a little external inspiration. Seeing a story like Mulan's, a woman who traded traditional expectations for a suit of armor, isn't just entertainment. It is a masterclass in self-belief. It is the ultimate "glow up" story, but instead of a new lipstick, it is about finding your own brand of courage. And it is a beautiful reminder that empowerment does not have a single look. Whether you are finding your strength in a pole studio, a dance class, or by simply setting a boundary at work, you are channeling that same spirit. The fact that this production is a dance drama, using movement to tell this epic tale, makes it even more potent. It proves that you do not need words to communicate power, you just need to feel it in your bones.
For our readers who are always looking for that next spark of motivation, this is it. This is the kind of event that feeds your soul and leaves you feeling like you can conquer anything. It is a celebration of femininity in all its forms, from the graceful to the unapologetically strong. And while we are on the subject of celebrating strength, we cannot ignore the news that the Martha Graham Dance Company Finds New Home, Inspires in Times Square. It is a fantastic parallel, a modern dance institution planting its flag in the heart of the city, just as this ancient story prepares to grace the Lincoln Center stage. Both events prove that dance, in all its forms, is a vital language of resilience and artistry, and it is a language we should all be fluent in.
So, here is the thing, and this is the takeaway I want you to hold onto: mark your calendars for September 18-20. When you leave that theater, you will not just have seen a show, you will have witnessed a story about the power of saying "yes" to yourself. And if a story about a woman who became a legend in her own right does not make you want to stand a little taller and own your space, I do not know what will. The real question is not whether you can afford the ticket, but whether you can afford to miss the reminder that the warrior within you is ready to take the lead. And if you want to keep that momentum going, be sure to check out how Chicago Dance Company Celebrates New Works and Rising Talent in 2026-27 Season is carrying that torch of new expression forward. Now go, be fierce, and claim your spot.
