"There are four great legendary tales in Chinese culture and 'The Butterfly Lovers' is one of them. I was drawn to it because it is a beautiful love story - it expresses universal emotions."
-Choreographer and company director, Xin Lili
For more than three decades, the Shanghai Ballet has been dazzling audiences around the world with its unique repertoire of folk-infused Chinese ballet and classical Western masterworks. The Butterfly Lovers is a poignant love story that dates to the Tang Dynasty. The Butterfly Lovers, often considered the Chinese equivalent to Romeo & Juliet, is an audience favorite and features elegant choreography, graceful dancers, magnificent costumes, and a touching story of love and loss.
Since 1979, this accomplished ensemble has enchanted audiences around the world with its interpretations of classical Chinese and Western ballets.
About Shanghai Ballet
The Shanghai Ballet has formally renamed in 1979 at the base of "The White-haired Girl" performing team. Ballet "The White-haired Girl" won the Gold Medal of the Best Classical Dance Works of the 20th Century in China, which helped establish the Ballet’s predominant position in ballet circle in China.
Since its founding, many young dancers of the company have won total of 39 medals in various international dance competitions. The Shanghai Ballet is active in cooperation and cultural exchange with the artists and companies both abroad and at home. The company not only tours nationwide but also has visited many countries and regions, including the U.S.A., U.K, Canada, France, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Finland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, etc.
Conductor: Zhang Chengjie
Accompaniment: Shanghai Opera House Orchestra
Choreographer: Xin Lili
Playwright: Luo Huaizhen
Composer: Xu Jianqiang
Set Designer: Zhou Benyi
Costume Designer: Li Ruiding
Lighting Designer: Lu Caigen
Assistant Choreographers: Chen Zhenrong, Cai Yilei, Li Fei