Dancers put new twist on a classic

Ye has written music for the company's ballet piece, Across the Water, which premiered in 1986, and The Last Paradise, which, choreographed by French dancer and choreographer Roland Petit, premiered in 2008.

Ye says: "Lyricism and romanticism are at the core of the ballet production Dream of the Red Chamber.

"Although there is no traditional Chinese musical instruments involved, the music pieces are based on a Chinese aesthetic."

The symphony orchestra of the National Ballet of China will perform under the baton of conductor Zhang Yi during the premiere and the following shows.