In May, Scottish Ballet will bound to further enhance its international reputation as a world-class dance company by touring an exciting programme to three regions in China - Nanjing, Shanghai and Beijing.

Scottish Ballet's China Tour will comprise performances on May 19, 2009, at People's Hall, Nanjing; May 22 and 23 at the Grand Theatre, Shanghai; and May 26 and 27 at Poly Plaza, Beijing.

This is their first visit to the region since 1992. The programme will feature two works created exclusively on the Company; Richard Alston’s brand new Carmen and Artistic Director Ashley Page’s Pennies from Heaven.

Choreographed by Richard Alston, one of the most inspiring and influential figures in British dance, Carmen retells the famous story of a hot-blooded young gypsy whose wild spirit lures a young officer into an obsessive love when she spurns him for the glamour of a handsome toreador with tragic results. This brand new production is performed to Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite, an adaptation that skillfully highlights the glories of Bizet’s original score.