National Ballet of China dancers rehearse for Century on Wednesday. Photo: Courtesy of National Ballet of China

A new original ballet work Century will be staged on May 23-30 by China's top ballet troupe, the National Ballet of China, at Beijing's Tianqiao Theater to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Feng Ying, director of the troupe, announced on Wednesday. 

The troupe's first original orchestra ballet, Century draws inspiration from China's 5,000 years of history and culture such as folk tales and myths to interpret the history of the country over the past 100 years. 

Based on the music composer Guan Xia's works, songs are named after Chinese myths such as the goddess Nüwa patching up the sky and Kuafu racing with the sun. 

"Through the dance choreography and body language, each chapter of the ballet tells how we lived through the historical moments of the past century," said Feng. 

"Although we have rehearsed many times, I still feel deeply moved each time I watch the performance," Feng added. 

According to Feng, instead of focusing on performances of a single dance, the upcoming ballet show steps back to give room for group dances, which gives audiences more imaginative space.