National Ballet of China to showcase ballet classics in June
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     The National Ballet of China will give four performances, comprising two performances of the ballet classic "Giselle" and two ballet galas, in Hong Kong this June. The programme is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
 
     "Giselle" is a classical ballet from the 19th century romantic era. Count Albrecht, who disguises himself as a peasant, has fallen in love with the peasant girl Giselle. However, Albert has been engaged to another girl, and the shock is too great for Giselle and she dies with a broken heart. The grieving Albert visits Giselle's grave, and he then becomes the target of attack by the spirits. At last, Giselle helps him out of death. The performance will be staged at 7.30pm on June 3 (Saturday) and at 3pm on June 4 (Sunday) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets are priced at $180, $280, $380, $480, $580 and $680.
 
     The two ballet galas will feature excerpts from ballet masterpieces. The programme of the first ballet gala includes  "The Kingdom of the Shades" from "La Bayadére" Act II; "Porcelain Dance", "Dance of Fans", "Dance of Silk", "Crystalline Candied Haws”, "Dance of Spinning Top" and Le Grand Pas de deux from "The Chinese New Year"; and Pas de deux from "Don Quixote" Act III. The performance will be staged at 8pm on June 6 (Tuesday) at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall. Tickets are priced at $160, $250, $340 and $420.
 
     The programme of the second ballet gala includes "Red Lantern Dance" and Pas de deux from "Raise the Red Lantern", "Close your Eyes When It is Getting Dark", "The Red Detachment of Women" Act IV, "Group Crane" from "The Crane Calling" Act II, the Balcony Pas de deux from "Romeo and Juliet", and "Yellow River". The performance will be staged at 3pm on June 8 (Thursday) at the Auditorium of Tuen Mun Town Hall. Tickets are priced at $120, $160, $200 and $240.
 
     The National Ballet of China remains China's only national ballet company. Founded in Beijing in 1959, the National Ballet of China was formerly an experimental ballet company affiliated with the Beijing Ballet Dance School and became the first professional ballet company in the country. The company has won more than 80 international accolades since its establishment and has visited more than 40 countries and regions. More than 50 grand overseas tours have taken the company to places including Denmark, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, Russia, the US, Canada and Australia, and it has gained an important foothold in the international world of ballet.
 
     Performances by the National Ballet of China are part of the events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999.
 
     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/programs_203.html.

Ends/Friday, March 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 10:30

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