On November 20, the National Ballet of China participated in the performing season of National Centre for the Performing Arts "An Invitation form Winter" with Jewels, the masterpiece of symphonic ballet by master choreographer George Balanchine. With an all-star cast consisting of Prima Ballerinas Zhang Jian and Wang Qimin, Première Danseur Ma Xiaodong, and Principal Dancers Xu Yan, Lu Na, Zhan Xinlu, Sun Ruichen, Wu Sicong, Li Wentao, etc., the company delivered a gorgeous dance feast to the capital's audience.

Performing video of Jewels in National Centre for the Performing Arts on November 20

Reputed to be the "father of symphony ballet", George Balanchine has always been famed for the fusion of music and dance. Thus, music takes a significant role in his ballet works. By the joint efforts of Zhang Yi, the Music Director of the National Ballet of China, Wang Xiaomao, concert master, and Tan Xiaotang as the guest piano soloist, National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra presented this work which is of great importance in the history of world ballet.

Emeralds

Female lead by Xu Yan

Male lead by Li Wentao

Pas De Trois by Yu Xiaoting, Chen Haibei and Sun Haifeng

Supporting female by Fang Mengying; Supporting male by Wu Sicong

Rubies

Female solo by Lu Na

Female lead by Wang Qimin; Male lead by Ma Xiaodong

Piano solo by Tan Xiaotang (guest)

Diamonds

Female lead by Zhang Jian

Male lead by Sun Ruichen