Soulful Sissi

Dancers perform a combination of classical ballet, contemporary dance and Hungarian folk dance in Sissi.[Photo provided to China Daily]

The queen, also known as Sissi, had a carefree spirit before she wed the emperor, and was at odds with her new life at Austrian court.

But she found happiness in Hungary when she went there for the first time a few years after her marriage.

She was crowned the queen of Hungary in 1867, because she helped to create the dual Austria-Hungary monarchy that year.

The director and choreographer of the dance drama, Sandor Roman, has added a fictional role - that of a gypsy girl - to the plot. He has also integrated the queen's tales into the story, such as learning Hungarian language, embroidery and her contribution to the construction of Budapest.

Nearly 30 dancers from ExperiDance Production troupe will perform in Beijing.

"As a dancer it is a challenge to form the personality of Sissi," says Anna Lazar, who plays the title role.

She says the troupe members use their dance moves to exhibit feelings like inner conflict, and the smallest of gestures matter.