Under the organization of Wu Promotion, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, toured in China from the 28th of October to the 9th of November.

November 9, Performers taken a picture in NCPA

Under the organization of Wu Promotion, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, toured in China from the 28th of October to the 9th of November. Staging 5 wonderful performances in Beijing and Shanghai, they made their international premiere with Choreographer Pontus Lidberg’s new production Giselle. As one of the most important productions of the NCPA’s 2013 Dance Festival, the romantic legend of Giselle was once more brought to the world stages. The Chinese audience was deeply impressed by the dancers beautiful interpretation of this legend that addresses the essence of love and the two sides of romanticism, like light and darkness, death and redemption.

This new production of Giselle was choreographed by the young Swedish choreographer Pontus Lidberg. He has remained faithful to the original lecture and plotline of this drama, but with a slight twist he has transplanted its traditional background to the contemporary European time. Compared to the traditional work, Lidberg’s reinterpretation of this Romantic balletfocuses more on characters personality and relationship. Combining traditional ballet with modern elements and 　with a fantastic scenery and stage design and Lidberg’s production brings a wonderful audio-visual enjoyment to the audience.

From left to right:
the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève’s company manager Philippe Cohen,
principal dancer Sarawanee Tanatanit and Paul Girard in NCPA’s press conference.

For the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, this China tour was an excellent chance to share its passion for dance with a wider audience who were captivated by its mere artistry. When interviewed during the NCPA’s press conference, Philippe Cohen, the company manager, said that Giselle is a timeless love story that obliges us to face the difference in social classes. This ballet, created in 1841, still resonates today, Cohen therefore expresses the hope that they can give this myth an actuality and universality to today’s public.
 
In addition to their performances and despite their busy schedule, Philippe Cohen and his team of dancers visited the Beijing Dance Theater (BDT) to give a workshop. The generosity of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève to give personal instructions to Chinese ballet dancers was both appreciated by the dancers of BDT and the Chinese press.