_{Scenes from Don Quixote by Spain's Compania Nacional de Danza. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]}

The 7th China International Ballet Season kicked off at Beijing's Tianqiao Theatre on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a cultural exchange between China and Spain.

The highlight of the event was the debut of Spain's Compania Nacional de Danza, which brought their stunning rendition of Don Quixote to the stage from Friday to Sunday.

The China International Ballet Season is a prestigious biennial event organized by the National Ballet of China and hosted at the Tianqiao Theatre. This event has attracted top artists from 58 ballet companies spanning 27 countries.

The 2025 edition of the festival will run until Jan 11, featuring a dazzling lineup of performances by renowned ballet companies and artists from around the world, offering audiences a diverse range of iconic works.

Beyond the stage performances, this season will also include masterclasses, lectures, photography exhibitions and public performances, all aimed at sharing the unique charm and boundless possibilities of ballet with a broader audience.

"The National Ballet of China first staged the masterpiece Don Quixote in 1985, with the legendary Rudolf Nureyev visiting China to help with rehearsals for the production he choreographed. Today, Spain's Compania Nacional de Danza is bringing a version of Don Quixote choreographed by former artistic director Jose Martinez," says Mu Zongshun, vice-president of the National Ballet of China.

This cross-continental connection, from the iconic works of Spanish literature to the artistic brilliance of top ballet dancers, demonstrates ballet's remarkable power to transcend time and space, uniting hearts and minds across cultures, he adds.

Muriel Romero, director of the Compania Nacional de Danza, says that the company, with its history dating back to 1979, has long been known for blending classical ballet with the fiery passion of flamenco and other Spanish folk dances, creating a unique and dynamic style.

"This is our first time participating in the China International Ballet Season, and we are thrilled to present Don Quixote, a quintessential work of Spanish literature. The choreography preserves the elegance of classical ballet while infusing it with the warmth and energy of our local dance traditions," Romero says.

By Chen Nan | chinadaily.com.cn