NCPA hosts Chinese Star Dancers Gala

The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will usher in Chinese New Year in style with the help of a array of homegrown dance stars from a wide variety of ethnic groups. Many youngsters will feature in the performances slated for January 14 and 15 in a gala that promises to give them valuable experience on a national stage.

One of the biggest names lacing on the dance shoes is Yang Liping, from the Bai ethnic group. Yang is ending a lengthy performance hiatus to star in the New Year production.

Yang will be joined by upcoming dance stars including Wang Yabin, Liu Fuyang and Zhu Jiejing.

The performances over two days will present Chinese classical, folk and contemporary dance along with group and solo performances. Highlights include Moonlight (a solo dance by performers from the Dai ethnic group) and a pas de deux rendition of Desolate Pavilion.

Dancers range from professionals to amateurs, with some having performed in the past at the National Dance Competition and CCTV Dance Competition.

Presented works aim to capture the crispness, elegance, joy and timeless appeal of Chinese dance and treat audiences to a panoramic view of the country's dancing heritage.

"We hope to provide a platform for young dancers to present their works to a wider audience," said Wang Han, assistant director for programming at the NCPA. "Many of the performers are not very well-known to the public, largely because they only appear in the public eye at dance competitions。"

Around 130 dancers will perform at this year's gala, with 16 performances scheduled over two days.

The Peacock Dance, made famous by the Dai people, has long been regarded as a dance for women. However, male dancer Wu Shuai aims to challenge this perception when he performs it. The gala's two shows span 90 minutes each.

When: Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15

Where: NCPA, 2 Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district

Tickets: 160-680 yuan

Contact: 6655-0000