Dunhuang frescoes contain many artistic presentations of famous images as depicted in various Buddhist sutras and stories. These outstanding and graceful artistic images show as aesthetic form which often reflected daily life in China in the age the frescoes were painted. In the late 1980's, after close study of these images from Dunhuang frescoes, leading Chinese dance experts have created a special silk road style dance called "Dunhuang Dance." With a breathtaking beauty and elegance, this cultural performance reflects a rich and distinctive dance tradition in China. Dunhuang Dance, as represented by an acclaimed dance production "The Rain Flowers on the Silk Road," has won various top awards in China National Dancing Competitions and obtained international reputation. Dunhuang dance has been performed in Japan, Europe, and other countries, and is always enthusiastically received by Chinese and international audiences alike.

China Dunhuang Female Dance Troupe (CDFDT), consisting of selective members from China Gansu Song and Dance Troupe, is one of the most distinguished dance troupes in China specializing in Dunhuang dance. The members of the troupe are the best graduates from Gansu School of Arts, specifically trained in silk road style dance. The founder, director, and principle choreographer, Ms. Jinrong Gao, is a National Grade One Choreographer and an international authority on Dunhuang dance. She is one of the choreographers of the dance drama, "The Rain Flowers on the Silk Road." Many of her works have won top awards in national dance competitions and festivals.