Chinese ballet debuts in Canada

Raise the Red Lantern, one of China's most famous ballet shows, made its debut in Montreal, Canada on February 21. The National Ballet of China has toured many parts of the world since the play's inception in 2001. But it was only last week they made their debut in Canada.

"Raise the Red Lantern" is based on the film of the same name directed by renowned director Zhang Yimou. The ballet tells the story of a concubine, sold by her mother into a stifling world of jealousy and resentment.

The ballet strives to stage the spectacular visuals. The dazzling show is the first attempt to combine western ballet with traditional Chinese Peking Opera. Gorgeous colors, breathtaking melodies and

close-knit choreography delivers a ballet so different to what most people think of.

Although it has no previous successful experiences to learn from, the show has been proved to be a success, Canadian audience loved it too much, at the end of every scene, the applause was overwhelming.

Audience member said, "I enjoyed it enormously, wonderful, wonderful ballet. I cannot tell you how nice it is. The dancers are amassing, articulate, the details, every single performer was just wonderful." "Excellent performance. The show, the costume, the detail, the attention to the backdrops, exceptional. I highly recommend this ballet for all to see". "I think it is excellent. I think the way combines contemporary, traditional, classical. It is really impressive. The dancers, you don't that kind of quality in too many companies. I just think I is absolute beautiful. The technique, the costumes, the colors and everything is just beautiful."

Reporter: "For this tour, the National Ballet of China makes only tow stops in Canada, Montreal and Vancouver. In Montreal, audience has the chance to taste the bold Chinese attempt on ballet----The "Raise the Red Lantern", while in Vancouver, the audience will see a more classical ballet repertory----"Swan Lake"."