Historical curiosity packs a punch

When the National Ballet of China tours abroad, the most popular repertoires are always Raise the Red Lanterns (2001) and The Red Detachment of Women (1964, pictured above).

The first is a lush, eclectic meeting of East and West, involving the movie director Zhang Yimou, modern dance choreographer Wang Xinpeng, composer Chen Qigang and an international design crew.

The second is the best Chinese ballet created before the country opened to the outside world.

One of the "Eight Model Operas" during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), The Red Detachment of Women is about a country girl who is abused by an evil landlord but then escapes and blossoms after joining the revolution.

The six-act ballet features heroic, social-realist ensemble choreography that brings to mind early works by Martha Graham, such as Panorama and Sketches from Chronicle.

For today's audiences, it is a historical curiosity that packs a punch. It's not every day that you can see a ballerina caressing the hammer and sickle. Seriously, the dances with sabers and rifles are electrifying.

7:30 pm, March 8 and 9, Tianqiao Theater, 30 Beiweilu Lu, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6353-5709.