Life of a dancing star

Red Dancing Shoes, a biography of veteran Chinese dancer Chen Ailian, was published recently by China Zhigong Press.

The launch of the book is part of a series of events to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Chen's dancing career. Born in Shanghai in 1939, Chen is an established dancer of both Chinese classical and folk forms. She became famous in 1959 for her performance in the leading role of Fish-Beauty in a pantomime.

At 73, Chen still practices every day and will go on a performance tour later this year.