Swiss ballet group stages classics in Beijing

BEIJING, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Bejart Ballet Lausanne, a Swiss ballet group, is set for staging four classic performances at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing from Friday to Sunday.

The works include "7 Danses Grecques," "Adage pour Deux," "The Firebird," and "Bolero," all masterpieces of Maurice Bejart, French choreographer, dancer and stage director who founded the group in the 1980s. He died in 2007.

"7 Danses Grecques" draws on traditional Greek dance steps. It is presented in a cheerful and interesting contemporary way. "Bolero," danced to music by Maurice Ravel, has its brilliance in the structure of both the music and the choreography.

Julien Favreau, artistic director of the group, leads the dancers in injecting contemporary vigor into Bejart's immortal pieces.