Classic novel adapted into a ballet production

Dream of the Red Chamber, written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is considered to be one of China's greatest novels.

An original ballet production based on the classic novel with the same title by the National Ballet of China was staged in Beijing from Sept 28 to Oct 8 with 10 shows.

The ballet follows the downfall of the wealthy and influential Jia family, featuring the main character Lin Daiyu, a beautiful and sentimental young woman, who moves into her grandmother's family — the Jia family — after the death of her mother. There, she meets numerous relatives for the first time, one of whom is Jia Baoyu, her mother's nephew, a rebellious and pampered young man. When Lin and Jia fall in love with each other, they have to face the fact that the family prefers Xue Baochai, one of Jia's cousins, to be his future wife. Jia and his ill-fated love interest, Lin, are destined by fate to be apart.

Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China, initiated the idea of the ballet production and worked as the chief producer. The production also features some of the country's top artists, including veteran composer Ye Xiaogang.

In February, the National Ballet of China premiered the production, which received warm feedback from audience and critics. After its premiere, the ballet production toured nationwide with 36 shows.