Dancers of the National Ballet of China during a rehearsal of the performance Soaring Against the Wind. (Photos: China Daily)

The National Ballet of China is set to put on a ballet gala at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing as the venue reopens its doors on Thursday for the first time in eight months.

The program has five dances, including a new production called Soaring Against the Wind, which pays tribute to Chinese healthcare workers who battled the coronavirus.

Artistic Director of the National Ballet of China Feng Ying said, “The debut of the new program is not only a highlight of the ballet gala, but also represents the National Ballet of China and the whole country’s deepest gratitude to medical teams.”

“Eight months of closure is an unusual test for all workers in the performing arts industry. To be able to perform on stage for the first time after the reopening of the National Centre is a glorious yet difficult task,” Feng added.

“We hope that the performance can create an intriguingly powerful image in audiences’ minds, as well as connect to our shared emotions. This is a gift to the whole country and those who love performing arts.”

(Compiled by Liu Tianzi)