Red Lantern raised on Chinese ballet

An amazing ballet show telling a traditional Chinese story is challenging what ballet should look like. "Raise the Red Lantern" is based on the film of the same name directed by renowned director Zhang Yimou.

The show was staged on Friday night at the National Centre for the performing arts in Beijing and was presented by The Nation Ballet of China.

A pallet of gorgeous colors, breathtaking melodies and close-knit choreography delivers a ballet so different to what most people think of. Yet the audience was blown away by this bold Chinese attempt on ballet.

However, the dazzling elements of the ballet serves to tell the rather dark tale of a young girl being forced to become the concubine of a wealthy man in early 20th century China.

She struggles bitterly with her fate, but is ultimately overpowered by her master. The dance moves were brimming with tension, magnifying the struggle to the full.

The agony and shame was also highlighted by the clever use of unique Chinese props. Some viewers were so moved, they were eager to share their opinions to make it even better.

Du Shouping, Audience Member, said, "I've seen quite a few western classical ballets, but this is truly an innovation...I think it would be even better if they included more Chinese elements. For example, if only they added a few bars of Chinese suona horn and Chinese cymbals, these are common instruments in Chinese weddings."

The show has been performed hundreds of time across China since its conception in 2001, and now the producers are planning to take it one step further.

"In February, the National Ballet of China be a hit."

Wang Quanxing, Deputy Director of National Ballet of China, said, "Gestures and body language are universal, our customs are also very unique, we hired a French designer to ensure that it is ethnic and also chic. So whether it's music, customs or choreography we know that it will be well received. "

The National Ballet of China will also be performing more classical ballet works such as Swan Lake for audiences in Canada.