When ballet meets Qixi, tradition and romance intertwine into poetry. The latest ballet production, "Qi Xi," performed by China's Liaoning Ballet, will grace the stage of the Guangzhou Opera House for two consecutive nights on April 22-23, offering audiences a dreamy and romantic spectacle.

The poster for the ballet "Qi Xi" (Photo: Guangzhou Opera House)

Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Its origins date back over 2,000 years to the Spring and Autumn Period, primarily commemorating the love story of the Cowherd and the Weaving Girl.

The Qixi Festival serves as the inspiration for this ballet performance—a groundbreaking collaboration between Chinese and French artists. This marks the first time overseas creatives have been invited to join a Chinese folklore-themed production. The ballet blends neoclassical techniques with an exploration of "love," creating an innovative fusion of international perspectives and Chinese storytelling.

A poetic and dreamlike scene from the ballet (Photo: Guangzhou Opera House)

French choreographer Martin Chaix drew inspiration from Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy, seamlessly weaving Eastern elegance with French romanticism into the choreography.

The stage design employs 3D projection technology to create a celestial dreamscape for the audience. While rooted in classical ballet techniques, the performance also incorporates modern and traditional Chinese elements, resulting in a visually stunning and imaginative production.

Stage photos of the ballet "Qi Xi" (Photo: Guangzhou Opera House)

Performance Details:

Dates: 7:30 PM, Tue-Wed, April 22-23, 2025

Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House (广州大剧院 歌剧厅)

Ticket Prices: RMB 100/180/280/380/480/680

Duration: 105 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission)

Note: One ticket per person. Children under 1.2m not admitted.