Ballet program honors Long March with timeless works

The National Ballet of China presented Sparks of Eternity, a program commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, on Sept 18 at Beijing's Tianqiao Theater.

The program brought together three ballet works from China and abroad, exploring themes of faith, resilience and the enduring power of the human spirit.

The evening opened with Long March, Long March, an original production choreographed by Fei Bo and Wang Sizheng. Set across three timelines, the ballet follows a contemporary tour guide, an elderly man who lived through the revolutionary years and a young soldier who embodies the memory of history.

Through expressive movement, the work revisits the arduous journey of the Red Army and reflects on the ideals and determination that defined the Long March.

The program also featured The Firebird, choreographed by French ballet master Maurice Bejart to Igor Stravinsky's iconic score. With its themes of rebirth and the triumph of light over darkness, the work echoed the spirit of perseverance explored in the opening ballet.

The second half presented German choreographer Uwe Scholz's symphonic ballet Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No 3. First performed in China by the National Ballet of China in 2008, the work transforms the concerto's sweeping musical architecture and emotional depth into an expansive dance composition. Its revival marked both a return to the company's established repertoire and a renewed exploration of the work for contemporary audiences.

The production brought together two casts of National Ballet of China dancers, including principal dancers Qiu Yunting, Xu Yan, Ma Xiaodong and Li Wentao, alongside leading and younger performers.

Zhang Yi, the company's music director, conducted the orchestra, with concertmaster Wang Xiaomao leading the instrumental ensemble. Pianist Tan Xiaotang was the soloist in Rachmaninoff's concerto.

The program continued with performances on Sept 19–20.