National Ballet names new principal dancer

The National Ballet of China has announced its new principal dancer, Qiu Yunting.

Qiu graduated from Beijing Dance Academy in 2013, joining the national company the same year and becoming a major dancer in 2017. She has performed in a number of productions by the company, including La Bayadere choreographed by world-famous ballerina and choreographer Natalia Makarova; French dancer and choreographer Roland Petit's Carmen; and original Chinese ballet pieces Like Flowers and The Red Detachment of Women.

The ballerina has won a slew of awards, including first prize at the 10th Taoli Cup Dance Competition, China's top dance honor for professional dancers, and the gold medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in 2018.

"I am very excited for my new journey with the company. I never want to stop growing as a person and a dancer and I am honored to work with the company," Qiu said.

Feng Ying, president of the company, said: "Besides performing leading roles in productions, principal dancers also take the responsibility to lead and set good examples for young dancers. I believe she will take on her new role and achieve those goals."