************************************************************
The world-renowned National Ballet of China will present three different repertoires in Hong Kong this autumn to mark the opening of the World Cultures Festival 2011 - Enchanting Arts of Asia, promising audiences a range of classic works and star dancers.
"Ballet Gala" on October 20 features excerpts from timeless masterpieces by Chinese and Western choreographers to showcase the company's half century of amazing achievements. These include "Red Lantern Dance" and Pas de Deux from "Raise the Red Lantern", Pas de Deux from "Little Blue Flower", excerpts from "The New-Year Sacrifice" Act II, "The Butterfly Lovers" Pas de Deux and and "The Red Detachment of Women" Act II. The company will also pay tribute to some of world's most renowned choreographers, performing excerpts from works by George Balanchine, Roland Petit, Maurice Bejart, Marius Petipa, Kenneth MacMillan, and John Cranko.
Highly imaginative and boldly innovative, "The Red Detachment of Women" on October 21 breaks through the traditions of classical ballet by adding a contemporary feel and Chinese characteristics, creating a captivating new form infused with national spirit. Created in 1964, the production became one of the eight "model works" of the Cultural Revolution in the late 1960s, and introduced ballet to audiences across China.
The all-time favourite "Swan Lake" on October 23 blends immaculate ballet technique with a uniquely Chinese essence that has helped bring the company into the international spotlight. This adaptation by the legendary Natalia Makarova stays close to Tchaikovsky's intensely emotional score, beautifully capturing the dramatic twists and turns of the tragic tale.
Originally known as the Central Ballet Troupe, the National Ballet of China was founded in 1959 and remains China's only national ballet company. In its early years, ballet experts from the former Soviet Union helped to lay a solid foundation for the group. In addition to classical and modern works from the West, the company has set out to develop a repertoire with distinctive Chinese characteristics. The company has frequently taken part in international exchange. It was nominated for Best Foreign Dance Company by the Critics' Circle National Dance Awards in 2004 and 2008 alongside top international dance groups, such as the Bolshoi Ballet of Russia, Merce Cunningham Dance Company and New York City Ballet.
With live accompaniment by the National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of China will present three different repertoires at the Hong Hong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Details are as follows:
1. October 20, 7.30pm
"Ballet Gala"
2. October 21, 7.30pm
"The Red Detachment of Women"
3. October 23, 2.30pm
"Swan Lake"
Tickets priced at $160, $220, $320, $420 and $520 are now available at URBTIX. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Group booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available.
An exhibition "Into the World of Ballet" will be staged at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre foyer between October 18 and 23, illustrating the history and achievements of the National Ballet of China, as well as the history of ballet around the world. Admission is free.
The World Cultures Festival 2011 - Enchanting Arts of Asia, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will run from October 20 to November 20, showcasing a wide range of outstanding works from around the region, blending the traditional with the contemporary and featuring renowned performing arts groups and artists.
Programme brochures are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, www.worldfestival.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. For credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999.
Ends/Friday, August 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:14
NNNN