National Ballet 50th anniv celebration underway

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Ballet Troupe of China. The troupe is performing a number of celebratory shows through December with 16 performances staged in Beijing.

From the ever-popular "Swan Lake" to the Chinese classic "Red Detachment of Women", the National Ballet Troupe has staged performances at the National Center for the Performing Arts, Tianqiao Theater and Peking University Centennial Hall.

In the coming days, it will stage its new offering "Onegin" at the Tianqiao Theater. National Ballet bought the play's copyright from Germany's Stuttgart Ballet Troupe and it is expected to be the troupe's new classic. "Onegin" will be performed on Sunday and Monday.

The troupe's celebratory shows will reach a climax on December the 30th and 31st, with two gala nights, combining the best of the classics including excerpts from Chinese classics "Red Detachment of Women", "Raise the Red Lantern", "Peony Pavilion", and western pieces "Swan Lake", "Sylvia", "Pirates" and "Giselle".

Feng Ying, director of National Ballet Troupe, said, "Our troupe has three aims. One is to perform pieces telling stories about China, the second is to introduce western ballet classics, and the third is to perform contemporary ballet."

The National Ballet is a launch pad for many excellent ballet performers and choreographers to grow, with many performances held every year at home and abroad. The troupe also has its own symphony orchestra. The half century old National Ballet is now set to embrace a brilliant future.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Ballet  Troupe of China.