Patrick de Bana, a German choreographer, recently collaborated with Liaoning Ballet to present the neoclassical ballet Notre-Dame de Paris in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

"The art of ballet originated in the West and has a history of more than 300 years," said Qu Zijiao, artistic director and president of Liaoning Ballet. "Although the history of ballet in China is relatively short, this does not prevent our culture from spreading to the world. For example, in 2019, we brought Mulan to the international stage, and the response was enthusiastic and significant. In the same way, our Eight Women Cast into the River was praised in Russia."

According to Qu, the artist's mission and responsibility are important, as they want to share China's stories with the world.

The neoclassical ballet Notre-Dame de Paris is based on French writer Victor Hugo's novel of the same name. It has many derivatives, such as movies and musicals, which make it extremely difficult for latecomers to create their own version, Qu said.

"We invited Patrick to come to China to direct two plays. In terms of repertoire creation, performance market and talent training, we are all working on a dual track: while introducing world classics, we are also committed to originality," Qu said.

"I choreograph for two reasons. First, in order to chase and realize my personal dreams, I place my own visions and fantasies in my creations. The second is to open the door to the dream for the audience and stimulate their imagination," said Patrick de Bana.

He added that Chinese culture is an indispensable source of inspiration for his creations, as it has accumulated a rich cultural heritage of 5,000 years.

"Five thousand years – the number itself is awe-inspiring, and the profound charm of Chinese culture is breathtaking. What I particularly appreciate is the elegant way of thinking that is embedded in Chinese culture. When I looked at calligraphy, I almost burst into tears, and I fell in love with the unique beauty of Chinese culture. It has unwavering strength, as sharp as a sword and as delicate as a feather. In my eyes, Chinese culture is poetic and very beautiful."

Ballet has become a bridge between the hearts and minds of the Chinese and German peoples, a testimony of friendship.

"I think the future of the world lies in connecting, connecting through love, blending through beauty, communicating through art," Bana said.

Ye Xinnan contributed to this story.