Celebration of 10th anniversary on pointe

"The first few performances are usually challenging — dancers fall asleep when having their makeup done because they haven't recovered from jet lag," Wu says about the international tours when he danced in up to 20 shows. The most difficult part, however, is when half the tour is completed.

"By this time, the whole ensemble is exhausted, but there is still a long way to go," he told China Daily backstage before the production's anniversary performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. "Now that I have taken an administrative position, I pay attention to my fellow dancers and care about their physical and mental well-being.

"I tend to think too much. If I notice a technical problem and can't get my moves right, I am so troubled that I cannot sleep at night. Sometimes I keep on doing the moves in my apartment. It's not helpful at all because there isn't enough space and I can injure myself easily."

Such obsession and persistence can sometimes become a burden. Wu is happy that caring for others has helped him divert his focus so that he can dance with renewed ease onstage. "I surprised myself by making improvements with my dancing."