Ballet honors crane guardian's swansong
The National Ballet of China's original production, The Crane Calling, returned to the stage on Sept 24 at Beijing's Tianqiao Theater, marking the 10th anniversary of its premiere with a newly updated version. This work revisits the inspiring story of Xu Xiujuan (1964-87), a young woman who gave her life while trying to save cranes in a rainstorm.
Through ballet, the performance paints an anthem to ideals, dedication, life, and the harmony between humans and nature.
Feng Ying, the director of the ballet piece, says: "On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the premiere, we approach this work with high reverence for life and nature, and with a heartfelt remembrance of Xu Xiujuan, the 'crane-protecting hero' who sacrificed her life at the age of 23. This piece is presented in a fresh new form. We have constantly modified and refined it over the past 10 years, and now, with the original creative team and a new generation of artists, we bring this work to a new height."
