Dancers put new twist on a classic

In 1987, a 36-episode TV series based on the novel was aired, and appealed to viewers of all ages.

In 2010, director Li Shaohong helmed a 50-episode remake. Though it gained a lot of attention — a televised contest was even held to select actors and actresses for the TV show, it remained eclipsed by the 1987 version.

"For the ballet production, it's about using ballet language to tell the classic story," Tong says. "We spent lots of time talking to experts and scholars who provided us with information about their research of the novel and the characters, as well as reading the novel ourselves over and over again. The interpretation of the novel is varied, which allowed us to imagine and create. Hopefully, the audience, who may already know the story well, will gain a unique perspective.

"The novel mirrors Chinese society then, from politics and social rules, to food, fashion and architecture. People will reengage with this novel on a different level," the director adds.

Tong says that there are lots of well-known scenes in the novel, which will be presented onstage, such as Jia being summoned to his father's study and his father questioning him and giving him a severe beating for his offenses, as well as the weeping Lin, who feels sentimental upon seeing the falling of flowers and buried the petals in the garden.

Besides the love triangle among Jia, Lin and Xue, there are portrayals of the Jia family and its downfall. Jia also observes his family and recalls his life through his dreams, before the ending of the story, with him wandering aimlessly in the snow.

With Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China, initiating the idea of the ballet production and working as the chief producer, the work also features some of the country's top artists, including veteran composer Ye Xiaogang.