Chinese ballet dancers captivate South Africa

Chinese ballet dancers perform as the soloist roles in Swan Lake. [Photo/Xinhua]

“We appreciated so much. Actually, we learn a lot from them as well. They produce souvenirs and ornaments on the subject of ballet, and sell them in the performance places. That’s a very good idea,” said Qu Zijiao, the head of Liaoning Ballet.

According to Tian Xuejun, Chinese ambassador to South Africa, the perfect performance by the two ballet groups not only showed the elegance and capability of dancers from the both countries, but also pushed forward the relationship between China and South Africa.

The Liaoning Ballet of China was founded in 1980 and is one of China’s major ballet companies, performing ballets on Chinese themes as well as a strong classical repertoire, including Swan Lake, Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty and Spartacus. The company has 64 dancers in its roster and tours extensively, with past destinations including Europe, Australia, Japan, Cuba, Russia and Canada.