The National Ballet of China will perform in Malta for the very first time ­­­­– nearly 60 years since its inception.

Company dancers perform western ballet by producing a mix of the classical and modern art. Photos courtesy China Cultural Centre

The dancers will be taking part in an event which consists of a lecture and several performances at the University’s Valletta campus.

Targeting dance students and professionals, excerpts from western and Chinese ballet performances will accompany a lecture called From Swan Lake to Red Ballet, delivered by the company’s director, Feng Ying.

The company’s repertoire includes classics like Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle, Carmen, Onegin and The Little Mermaid.

There will be original creations too: The Red Detachment of Women, The New Year Sacrifice, Yellow River, Raise the Red Lantern, The Peony Pavilion and The Chinese New Year.

The company has been a pioneer in developing Chinese ballet, fusing the classical and the modern by performing western ballet and creating its own work bearing distinct Chinese characteristics.

The National Ballet of China is considered a cultural identity token of the country. It has toured more than 30 countries, including the UK, Russia, the US and Australia, performing on renowned first-class stages like Covent Garden in the UK, Paris Opera in France and Lincoln Centre in the US.

The Malta activities are being organised by the China Cultural Centre, supported by the management of the Mediterranean Conference Centre and the School of Performing Arts at the University.