At 42, Tong Liya has returned to a stage that once defined her dreams — this time, as a dancer.

After years of focusing on her acting career, she faces the unique challenge of reentering the world of dance, which she had once called her own.

On Sept 23, she announced the national tour of the dance drama, Here, and Beyond, at Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center as the production's initiator, producer and lead performer.

Tong is not only embracing a new artistic challenge but also returning to her roots in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the place where her journey as a dancer began.

"I grew up in Xinjiang and I conceived the idea of creating this dance drama as a tribute to my hometown," says Tong, who was born in the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture in northwestern Xinjiang.

"Dance was where my dream began. The stage was where I first set out. For me, performing in this dance drama at 42 is not only a challenge but also a way to revisit the passion that first defined my artistic journey."

Her history with dance dates back to her childhood.