Belarusian ballet classic 'Spartacus' hits Beijing stage

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The Belarusian ballet "Spartacus" has been staged at Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts. It was part of the "Meet in Beijing Arts Festival." Performed by the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus, it follows the exploits of "Spartacus," a Bolshoi classic, displaying the energy and power of the company's male dancers.

With its famous Khachaturian score, "Spartacus" is the dramatic story of the leader of a band of slaves uprising against cruel Roman rule and has long been considered the company's signature ballet.

Renowned choreographer Valentin Elizariev was behind this version.

A still from "Spartacus." /Photo courtesy of China Arts & Entertainment Group

The 71-year-old says he wants to depict an epic uprising that brings marching battalions, mortal combat and heroic death scenes, highlighting the company's talents of both genders.

"Female dancers dominated the stage during the 19th century and for the male dancers, it wasn't until the 20th century that they really took center stage. In our company, we provide very balanced training for both our male and female dancers.

"And in 'Spartacus,' you get to see both sides of ballet, the soft and elegant part of female dancers and the masculine and powerful part of male dancers," Elizariev told CGTN.

This is not the first time the Bolshoi Ballet has performed in China.

Another still from "Spartacus." /Photo courtesy of China Arts & Entertainment Group

Two years ago, the theater wowed audiences in Beijing with another ballet classic, Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake."

Elizariev said, "Although the story was an ancient one, written over 2,000 years ago, it's such a classic one, I'm sure it will resonate with the Chinese audience like Swan Lake. Classic ballets really mature with time, and you'll find something new every time you see it... I'm also amazed to see that Chinese ballet scene has also seen great progress, given it had relatively a late start."

A Ballet Gala of Asia will be held on May 14, as the Meet in Beijing arts festival convenes the best Asian troupes, from countries that include Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. They will perform excerpts from classics such as "Spartacus," "Swan Lake," "Don Quixote" and "Le Corsaire."