Aurélie Dupont, principal dancer of the Paris Opera Ballet, brings contemporary ballet performance to a Beijing audience with her partner, Alessio Carbone. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In addition to classical ballet, contemporary ballet performances by Aurélie Dupont, principal dancer of the Paris Opera Ballet, Sarah Lance Ribagorda, soloist with the American Ballet Theatre and other top dancers deeply affected the audience.

South Africa's Vuyani Dance Company, from Johannesburg, brought their original dance performance filled with the strong heartbeat of Africa. Themed on offering sacrifices to gods and ancestors, the troupe introduced a live band and singers, and danced with a distinct sense of rhythm, a pleasant change of atmosphere.