American Ballet Theater returns to China after a decade as US-China ties show signs of improving

By SIMINA MISTREANU and HAN GUAN NG
Associated Press

SHANGHAI, China (AP) — America’s national ballet company has returned to China for the first time in a decade, the latest sign that the strained U.S.-China relations are beginning to improve. The American Ballet Theater’s 85 dancers prepared for opening night at the Shanghai Grand Theater on Thursday. They are to perform “Classic Old and New,” a ballet encompassing contemporary moves as well as classical choreography. The tour marks a revival of cultural exchanges between China and the United States. After four nights of performing in Shanghai, the ballet company will move to Beijing next week, where it will stage its highly acclaimed version of “Giselle,” a classical romantic ballet, at the National Center for the Performing Arts.