Ms. Tomoko Ukishima, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, expressed congratulations and thanks to the Chinese artists after the performance of Swan Lake.

Mr. Kyoichi Ishimaru, the Senior Executive Trustee of Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, expressed his love for the National Ballet of China.

Mr. Tetsutaro Shimizu, General Representative of Matsuyama Ballet, and Ms. Yoko Morishita, Director of Matsuyama Ballet, expressed congratulations to the artists of NBC.

Ms. Kumiko Murayama, a famous Japanese dance commentator, expressed high praise for the National Ballet of China.

At 3:00 p.m. Tokyo time, on May 12th, 2019, the National Ballet of China presented the classic ballet masterpiece, Natalya Makarova's version of Swan Lake, at Tokyo Festival Hall, which can accommodate more than 2,300 viewers. After the performance of Raise the Red Lantern, the National Ballet of China presented another high-level performance to Japanese audience.

With deafening cheers and applause, it may not have been possible for well-informed Japanese audience to imagine ballet artists from China could perfectly stage Swan Lake, the most iconic and challenging work of classical ballet. They were conquered by the deep artistic base and expressive ability of National Ballet of China!

"Benno" by Wu Sicong

"Two Female Friends" by Wang Ye and Zhan Xinlu

"Siegfried" by Sun Ruichen

"Four Little Swans" by Wang Ye, Zhan Xinlu, Sun Xiaoqian and Xie Huan

"Von Rothbart" by Cui Kai

"Odile (Black Swan)" by Cao Shuci

The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, which is led by Zhang Yi, the music director of the National Ballet of China, performed the classical and familiar melodies with great tension, lingering melody, soul-stirring atmosphere, and cooperated with the Chinese dancers on the stage with great precision and dexterity.

After the performance, hundreds of Japanese audiences lined up in the front hall of Tokyo Festival Hall for the autograph session and communication with the Chinese artists.

The five-day visit to Japan has come to an end, but the friendship with the Japanese audience just begins. We will continue to work for Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges in the future. Look forward to the next reunion.

Text by Eva

Photo by Shi Ren