Classic ballet dances back onto Beijing stage

The National Ballet of China's connection to Swan Lake dates back to 1958, when China's first generation of ballet artists staged the work under the guidance of master Pyotr Gusev, marking the beginning of China's ballet history.

Over the past six decades, the company has presented four distinct versions, cultivating a rich artistic tradition. In 2007, Pyotr Gusev staged Natalia Makarova's version, blending the Russian school's classical rigor with the refined artistry she developed during her years in Europe and the United States.