Dance gem set to sparkle

National ballet troupe to stage Balanchine classic to mark 60th anniversary, Chen Nan reports.

To celebrate its 60th birthday, the National Ballet of China will stage Russian choreographer George Balanchine's classic three-act ballet, Jewels, at the Tianqiao Theater in Beijing from Sept 12 to 14.

Premiered in New York in 1967, Jewels was inspired by the artistry of jewelry designer Claude Arpels. With three sections: Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds, the ballet portrays the essence of each jewel accompanied by music from three different composers.

"Jewels is a great combination of ballet and music. Each section showcases different ballet styles," says Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China in Beijing on Wednesday. "All of our dancers will have the chance to display their talents through solo dance, pas de deux, and corps de ballet."

The principal dancers of the National Ballet of China will perform in the work, including Zhang Jian, Wang Qimin and Ma Xiaodong.