Chinese acrobatic ballet 'Swan Lake' makes a splash in Oman

In a mesmerizing display of artistry and athleticism, China's Xi'an Acrobatic Troupe brought its rendition of "Swan Lake" to the stage at the Royal Opera House in Oman on Thursday, blending the classic ballet tale with the thrilling feats of Chinese acrobatics.

This was the first time that the show had been staged in an Arab country. From breathtaking shoulder balancing acts to gravity-defying hoop dives, contortions and aerial ring displays, each moment on stage was a testament to the unparalleled skill and precision of the performers.

"Acrobatic art, as a universal language of the world, has always been an important participant in cultural exchanges," the head of the Xi'an Acrobatic Troupe Zhang Quan said. "We blend the excitement of Chinese acrobatic art with the aesthetic beauty of Western ballet, creating a fusion to enhance the beauty of each, resulting in a mutually stunning artistic effect."

Zhang also said that the troupe hopes to use this innovative work to resonate with local audiences.

With their refined skills and exceptional performances, the show captivated the local audience and received a warm welcome in Oman.

"I had my feet clenched the whole time just watching them do all their moves," said one Omani audience member, who had just seen her first Chinese acrobatic show and shared her excitement with the reporter.

The original version of the acrobatic ballet "Swan Lake" was created in 2004 and has since been performed nearly 300 times in countries such as Russia, Japan, and Germany. In 2019, a new version of "Swan Lake" was successfully created, presenting a broader narrative that reflects the historical exchanges between East and West, enriching the story with a deeper cultural context.