China’s top ten ballet troupes gather in Beijing

By APD Writer Liu Danyi

BEIJING, Dec.29 (APD) - China’s top ten ballet troupes gathered in Beijing's Tianqiao Theater for the first time on the evening of December 28, presenting a visual feast with the performance “The Top Ballet of China”, which combined Chinese characteristics with modern ballet.

The top ten ballet troupes, namely the National Ballet of China, Hong Kong Ballet, Shanghai Ballet, Liaoning Ballet of China, Guangzhou Ballet, Tianjin Ballet, Suzhou Ballet Theater, Beijing Dance Theater, Chongqing Ballet Theater and Lanzhou Ballet, made a collective debut at the stage of The Third China International Ballet Season.

Besides the foreign classic ballets such as Swan Lake, The Temple Dancer and Pas de Quatre, dance stars also staged Chinese original plays such as The Light of Heart, The New Year, Beijing December, Chongqing Landscape and so on, aiming to unfold the masterpieces that take root in China’s tradition and culture to both Chinese and foreign audience and make the voice of Chinese ballet heard.

The National Ballet of China led the performance with five repertoires. The rest local ballet troupes presented shows combining ballet and local culture. For example, Beijing December, played by Beijing Dance Theater, revealed the alternation of coldness and warmth in winter in Beijing. Dunhuang Dream, performed by Lanzhou Ballet, was a blend of ballet and traditional Chinese dance - long silk dance.

Besides, the live accompaniment of the National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra injected more vitality into the dancing performances and delighted the ballet fans.

The third China International Ballet Season, involving 31 shows of 14 plays, will last until Jan 14 next year.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)