Two-ballet Treat Marks Kirov's Return to Beijing

Beijing's balletomanes are eagerly awaiting a second visit to Beijing by the Kirov Ballet of Russia's Mariinsky Theatre, when it will perform the perennial Swan Lake and Jewels - the latter a three-part "plot-less" ballet that has enjoyed international popularity since its world premiere in 1967 but which has never been performed in China.

Swan Lake will be staged at Beijing Exhibition Hall from September 30 to October 2, and Jewels at the same venue on October 3. Sponsorship is by the China Performing Arts Agency, and the production is undertaken by CPAA Cultural Entertainment Company.

The Mariinsky Ballet Company (Kirov Ballet), dating from 1783, was named after Alexander II's wife, Maria. It became the major center for the development of opera and ballet in the Russian empire, attracting a large number of top European ballet dancers, not least because it was acknowledged as the finest theater in Europe.

Closely linked with the entire history of Russian choreographic art, the Mariinsky played a vital role in the establishment and evolution of Russian ballet. Early last century a successful tour of Paris brought the Kirov Ballet unprecedented renown in Europe, and since that time its outstanding dancers and composers have had a profound influence on the development of ballet worldwide. During the Soviet period, the Kirov became famous for its superb integration of tradition and innovation. Russian composer Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake is arguably the world's best-known and loved ballet. Virtually all ballet companies have had it in their repertoire since its premiere in 1895, though most of them tacitly concede that Russian dancers perform this fantasy ballet better than anyone.

Beijing Exhibition Hall

September 30 and October 1-2, 7:30pm

Admission: 180-800 yuan; VIP, 1,280

Ticket hotline: 6406-8888; 8528-2510.

Further information: www.cpaa.com.cn

In 1999, the Mariinsky's "Balanchine Collection" put together over many decades by the legendary choreographer was enriched by the addition to its repertoire by Jewels, to which he applied his own highly individual aesthetics of dance. For the ballet he chose three types of gem - emeralds, rubies and diamonds.

The work highlights different ages in classical dance notably French Classicism, American Modernism and Russian Imperial rather than dealing with precious stones as such. Even so, the motif of the gems is greatly sustained by Barbara Karinska's scenery and costumes.

For the uninitiated, Jewels is essentially a vehicle that unites the music of different composers, including Gabriel Faure, Igor Stravinsky and the great Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Beijing Exhibition Hall

October 3, 7:30pm

Admission: 180-800 yuan; VIP: 1,280 yuan.

Ticket hotline: 6406-8888; 8528-2510.

Further information: www.cpaa.com.cn