Ballet workshop in Beijing

The National Ballet of China will premiere its new work called... appropriately, "Workshop" in late April at Beijing's Tianqiao theatre. The avant-garde dance was inspired by the Ballet's own workshop. On Sunday, the company opened its rehearsal studio for dance aficionados and some lucky fans.

The creative ballet workshop gives young dancers a chance for serious ballet studies. The dancers can concentrate on improving their technique while experiencing different international well-known ballet educators, learning different styles and improving their performance in dance.

Young choreographer Zhang Zhen brought his new modern ballet "Shut Eyes When Getting Dark" to the "Workshop". Zhang's work was inspired by the popular game played by urban young people. Spectators say that they feel that the dancers have been completely emancipated from the constraints of their pointe shoes. A free-spirited form of expression reigned the stage.

The "Workshop" is the latest foray launched by the National Ballet of China to inspire and bring out the potential of their young dancers and choreographers. It aims to hone the young dancers' techniques as well as give them much-needed exposure.