Editor’s Note: Today (Nov 12) marks World Ballet Day 2025. As an emerging force on the global stage, China has been presenting a wave of new ballet creations in recent years. Drawing inspiration from ancient legends, modern role models, literary classics and wartime narratives, the country offers a rich landscape for stage productions.
Join us as we explore five remarkable new Chinese ballet works from recent years — and experience the legends brought to life on pointe.
Produced by Shanghai Grand Theatre
World premiere: Nov 4, 2022
A groundbreaking re-imagining of China's folk legend, The Tale of the White Snake
Produced by the National Ballet of China
World premiere: Feb 10, 2023
Adapted from A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature
Produced by the Suzhou Ballet
World premiere: Aug 29, 2025
Inspired by the The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, one of China's most cherished love legends
Produced by the Shanghai Ballet
World premiere: July 18, 2025
A young military nurse's brief encounter with a soldier and a rural woman during a mission to borrow blankets from villagers during the War of Liberation (1946-49)
Produced by the Liaoning Ballet of China
World premiere: July 7, 2021
Story of Wang Jinxi (1923-70), a model oil field worker in Daqing, Heilongjiang, who devoted his life to the development of the petroleum industry
