National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts)
Opera House
With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score.
Live music by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and National Children’s Chorus, United States of America
Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2025
Genre
Ballet
Price Range
$30.00 – $142.00
Runtime
TBA
Live Music By
èßäAVOpera House Orchestra and National Children’s Chorus
Presenting Sponsor
National Ballet of China’s Chinese New Year. Photo by NBC
With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China has won a distinguished reputation for performing cherished works and original creations. The renowned company returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score.
This colorful, fresh tale is brought to life by vibrant characters and radiant choreography. As a young Chinese girl celebrates the New Year, she embarks on a mystical journey through a world of festive Chinese customs. Audiences will delight as a scroll of Chinese folklore unfurls, showcasing the legendary monster Nian, the elegant and graceful Fans, the extravagant dances of Silk and Spinning Top, and more wonders in the ravishing Porcelain Kingdom.
Live music by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and National Children’s Chorus, United States of America
“An ode to both a western ballet classic and to Chinese culture”
“I always get excited when a work onstage can teach us something new about a culture different than our own. This company and this work reveal the delight, the beauty, and the nuances of how Lunar New Year is celebrated in China through a language we can all understand—ballet.”
—Jane Raleigh, Kennedy Center director of dance programming
William J. Caldwell and Michele Toth
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