Chinese choreographer puts Eastern spin on Western classic

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02:03

First performed over a century ago, "The Rite of Spring" is widely considered to be one of the most influential ballets of the 20th century. Now, one of China's most iconic dancers and choreographers has given this classic a brand new twist.

The original "The Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky has been adapted and reinterpreted over 400 times, but what makes Yang Liping's version special is that it includes a philosophical outlook, wisdom and sense of aesthetics that is distinctly Far Eastern.

Dancers from Yang's version of "The Rite of Spring." /VCG Photo

"It reflects oriental aesthetics in a performance that is just an hour long. It's about the cyclical nature of life and death, and of duty. It further explores the understanding of life from an international perspective," Yang Liping, the director of “The Rite of Spring” explained.

The thematic structure is "Incantation, Sacrifice and Reincarnation," and it's performed with a very specific dance known as The Peacock, which symbolizes beauty, purity and life. This eastern influence is incredibly unique for this kind of show.

A scene from Yang's version of "The Rite of Spring." /VCG Photo

"We've found this Chinese image that speaks of reincarnation and oriental philosophy, so we integrated something mysterious to the work, like a light shining on the whole world," said Ye Jintian, the project's art director.

"It reflects a kind of cultural confidence. Everything presented is from our original culture, like the elements of ethnic dance from Yunnan Province. It's really fabulous and different," said writer Liang Geluo.

This version of "The Rite of Spring" will start its run in Shanghai on October 19, before embarking for destinations like London, New York and Amsterdam on an international tour that will last until 2020.