Two well-known ballet productions will be performed next month by the internationally renowned National Ballet of China (NBC) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Featuring classical ballet "Le Corsaire" on June 28 and 29, and the Chinese ballet "The Red Detachment of Women" on July 1, the performances will be staged at Hong Kong Cultural Center with live music by the National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra.

Inspired by a poem by Lord Byron, "Le Corsaire" is an oriental fantasy about bravery and love featuring Turkish and Arabic elements. "The Red Detachment of Women" has been a classic since its premiere in 1964. The story is about how a poor peasant girl joins the Red Army and becomes a revolutionary heroine in the 1930 's.

The National Ballet of China, the only national ballet company in China, was founded in 1959. While introducing classical, modern and different styles of ballet to Chinese audiences, the company combines the art of classical ballet and Chinese culture, creating ballets representing the Chinese spirit.

The National Ballet of China has produced a large variety of ballets with Chinese characteristics, of which "The Red Detachment of Women" and "Raise the Red Lantern" have become successful samples of synthesizing classical ballet and Chinese culture.

Source: Xinhua