Dancers play cuju, an ancient form of soccer, in Hangzhou. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The dance show Cuju by the Xiaoshan Cultural Center recently won a gold award at a municipal folk dance exhibition in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

According to the Xiaoshan Cultural Center, the performance was inspired by the women from the Song Dynasty (960-1271) who played cuju, an ancient form of soccer.

The sport first appeared in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and was played in the army as part of military training during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD).

During the Song Dynasty, women were allowed to compete in front of royals.

A painting shows women playing cuju in the Song Dynasty. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

Local authorities in Xiaoshan district said that the performance was created to celebrate the city's traditions as well as its hosting of several competitions of the upcoming Asian Games.