Top ballet dancers present stellar banquet for Beijing audiences

Dancers from the National Ballet of China will perform the most brilliant part of their latest original ballet Crane Whisperer, a Chinese version of Swan Lake, as the last performance of the gala. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Another highlight from the ballet season includes Song of Everlasting Regret, a ballet adaptation of a narrative poem of the same title by Bai Juyi from the 9th century, presented by Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Ballet. Director of Shanghai Ballet, Xin Lili, said that they have always strived to "tell Chinese stories on the world stage" and had engaged renowned artists such as French choreographer Patrick de Bana to infuse an international element to the troupe.

In addition, other top Chinese ballet troupes such as Guangzhou Ballet and Beijing Contemporary Dance will also bring their lastest or classic works to the ballet season.

The ballet season will run until December 26. In addition to different shows, there will be exhibitions, lectures, interviews on the history of ballet as well as a photography contest during the performance season. In order to increase the popularity of the classic art, the sponsors will hold benefit performances for students, and implement a membership program to offer special prices to ballet lovers.