Royal Ballet coming to Shanghai

The Royal Ballet will make its international debut performance of their new production Don Quixote at Shanghai Grand Theater. Photos Provided to China Daily

 

Britain's world-renowned troupe will make its international debut performance of Don Quixote. Zhang Kun reports.

England's soccer team may not have performed well at the FIFA World Cup, but its Royal Ballet is among the best in the world.

"It's widely known as one of the top 10 ballet companies globally, but if you list the top three, the Royal Ballet of Britain will still be on it," says Zhang Xiaoding, general manager of Shanghai Grand Theater.

The Royal Ballet will make its international debut performance of their new production Don Quixote at Shanghai Grand Theater from July 3 to 5. Four performances will be held, including one matinee. "You will find each of the three groups of leading dancers have their own merits. It is a challenge to pick a show you want to see," Zhang says.

All of the world's top 10 ballet companies have performed in Shanghai, and audiences "are not lowering their expectations", Zhang says.

Don Quixote is the Royal Ballet's latest creation of the new season, directed by Carlos Acosta, who was a principal dancer at the company before turning to choreography and directing work.

"The experience made him more familiar with the dancers' potential. Every generation of artists in a fine ballet company has to make sure the classical program has new reasons to attract audiences in his or her time," Zhang says.

IF YOU GO

Don Quixote by the Royal ballet

7:15 pm, July 3-5; 1:30 pm, July 5.

Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district, Shanghai.

400-1068-686.

80-1,280 yuan ($13-205).