National Center for the Performing Arts, April 30, 2016.

Adapted from SU Tong’s novel, Raise the Red Lantern directed by ZHANG Yimou in 1991 impressed audiences with its twisted yet romantic plots. Ten years passed, in 2001 the National Ballet of China invited director ZHANG to adapt this intriguing story into ballet, which was further highlighted by the embellishment made by reputed first-class artists including composer Mr. CHEN Qigang, choreographer WANG Xinpeng, giving us an unique taste of the perfect combination of traditional Chinese opera and classic western ballet, through which came to us the magnificence of the performance and the fascinating connotation of the original story. The “mace play”, the “dance of mah-jong” and the numerous scenes of solo dance, pas de deux and group dance all together pushed this ballet performance to a master-piece level with unbelievable excellence. Furthermore, the innovative “cheongsam ballet” performance amazingly added a exotic taste of Chinese element that features the inclusiveness and elegance of the Chinese ladies to the western ballet art.