International ballet banquet comes to Beijing this winter

The press briefing of the 2nd China International Ballet Season was held in Tianqiao Theater this morning. [Xu Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

Beijing's ballet fans are in for a cultural treat this winter with the 2nd China International Ballet Season, sponsored by the National Ballet of China and Beijing Ballet of China Performing Arts Company, opening at the Tianqiao Theater in Xuanwu District, on November 6, running until December 26.

The press briefing of the activity was held in the theater this morning, with Dong Wei, deputy director of Chinese Ministry of Culture, Feng Ying, head of the National Ballet of China and Wang Quanxing, deputy head of the National Ballet of China in attendance.

Wang told Chinese media that just as in the first International Ballet Season in 2013, several world famous ballet companies and top dancers will be invited to Beijing this year, such as The Paris Opera Ballet, Bolshoi Theater of Russia, Cuban National Ballet, Aida Gomez and her dance troupe.

"To start the art banquet, we will present both classical and modern masterpieces like Swan Lake and Don Quixote. Apart from the excellent foreign Ballet troupes, domestic dancers will bring the audiences brilliant performances of both original and classic works," Wang said.

As the sponsor, the National Ballet of China prepares six works including La Sylphide (the Sylphide), El Testamento de Amelia (the testament of Amelia), the Yellow River, the Four Seasons, the Bat and Don Quixote.

"As the only national ballet troupe in China, we have a history of more than half a century and great potential. Last year, we celebrated our 55th anniversary with a series of dance shows in China and throughout the world. For the upcoming performance season, we will certainly live up to audiences' expectations," Feng Ying said.