Honoring a pioneer of Chinese dance

Audiences were then treated to excerpts from the third movement of the classical ballet Swan Lake, honoring Dai's pivotal role in introducing and promoting the production in 1958 during the formative years of China's national ballet company. The performance paid tribute to her historic contribution as a founding leader who guided Chinese ballet onto the world stage.

Another highlight of the evening was choreographer Maurice Bejart's interpretation of The Firebird, whose powerful ensemble choreography conveyed themes of struggle and rebirth, echoing Dai's life journey marked by resilience, patriotism and artistic devotion.

The gala also featured the National Ballet of China's original contemporary ballet The Long March, which transforms the spirit of the historic Chinese revolutionary journey into expressive physical language.