The time-honored Russian ballet troupe Mariinsky Ballet presented the classic romantic comedy "Don Quixote" at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing on Thursday.

The dance represents the legacy of the golden age of Russian classical ballet and is a poignant example of how Spain is portrayed in ballet, with its whirlwind ensemble dancing, castanets, fans, polka-dot skirts, roses and decorative combs in women's hairdos.

The Mariinsky performance is based on an eponymous ballet of Marius Petipa, who is regarded as one of the most influential ballet masters and choreographers in ballet history.

The festive performance is part of the repertoire of the ongoing annual NCPA Dance Festival, which is scheduled to conclude on December 7.