Ballet Preljocaj: Performance part of China-France cultural exchange event

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Meanwhile, the French dance group "Ballet Preljocaj" has brought their show to Beijing's Tianqiao theatre. It's one of the most important shows during the ongoing Croisements Festival, which is an annual cultural event held between China and France. Ding Siyue has more.

A new interpretation of traditional love stories.

The dances and routines brought by Ballet Preljocaj make use of unique artistic expression, drawing acclaim from spectators.

Playlist number one is not one dance, but a repertoire of excerpts from ten of Angelin Preljocaj's most beautiful solos, duos and ensembles from 1994 until now.

YOURI AHARON VAN DEN BOSCH DIRECTOR ASSISTANT, BALLET PRELJOCAJ "We are very honored to bring our show to China. In creating this performance, we put a lot of effort in transitioning among different pieces, while at the same time trying to express various messages in different parts. It's like a bouquet of flowers with many colors but in all forms a beautiful picture."

Angelin Preljocaj is an award winning dancer and choreographer. He is one of the most important figures in French contemporary dance, having the ability to work with both traditional classic ballet and advanced guard modern ballet.

Those less familiar will find the show a wondrous gateway into his works.

YOURI AHARON VAN DEN BOSCH DIRECTOR ASSISTANT, BALLET PRELJOCAJ "We value the communication among dancers and audiences. We want to know what Chinese audiences get from our dances, because people, especially with different cultural backgrounds, can have a different understanding of the art."

The performance by Ballet Preljocaj is an important part of the Croisements Festival. As the largest French cultural festival outside the country, the annual Chinese-French cultural event looks to fulfill the growing need for mutual friendly exchanges between the two countries.

Founded in 2006, it covers many fields including drama, dance, music, new media, movies and literature.

The Tianqiao Theater has also played its part in promoting Chinese-French cultural exchanges. It has invited the renowned Paris Opera Ballet many times to perform there in order to let the audience experience the romantic French Ballet.

WANG QUANXING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR NATIONAL BALLET OF CHINA "We have formed a good relationship with the Paris Opera Ballet. They have helped us choreograph many of our works. And we will present their shows here at the Tianqiao Theatre every year. So we have enjoyed a good cooperation with the Paris Opera Ballet and with France over the years."