 China's cultural and art world has prospered in recent years.
Not only do such activities as dancing or viewing paintings allow ordinary Chinese to enjoy an enriched cultural life, but they also create favourable environments for young artists and traditional arts to bloom.
Zhu Yan is the prima ballerina for the National Ballet of China. She recently performed China's classic ballet 'The Red Detachment of Women' in the first test show of the newly-built National Grand Theatre in Beijing.
After the show, Zhu Yan flew to South America with other dancers. They performed the modern ballet "Raise the Red Lantern" at the Cervantes International Art Festival, which was a huge success.
Zhu Yane says she's had plenty of chances to grow as an artist.
"Now, we have about 100 shows annually, and we have many plays. Every year, we will have two or three new plays."
Frequent performances both at home and overseas have dominated Zhu Yan's life, and changed her from an ordinary dancer to a famous ballet artist.
Feng Ying, who has been in the National Ballet of China for nearly 30 years, recalls that when she was the prima ballerina many years ago, there were only a few plays available.
"During my 17 years of performance, I've been always playing Swan Lake and a few others. Audiences have also been watching the same play for nearly ten years."
Now the situation is different. With the opening of China's art and cutlure market, many world famous artists and art groups have been invited to China to perform their classic plays or direct new plays in China.
From the Three Tenors to the West End musical Mamma Mia!, plays and concerts of diverse styles have been shared with Chinese audiences.
Watching shows has become a habit for many Chinese.
The prosperous cultural market is also brining a new energy to Chinese traditional art. Many Chinese are interested in traditional art forms such as Kun Opera. They've found charm in this 600-year-old art treasure.
It is estimated that in 2006, about 1,500 new plays were performed in China. There were half a million performing art shows last year, including plays, operas and music concerts.
|
