State Councilor urges China's National Ballet to raise world profile

Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong Monday urged the National Ballet of China to increase its global stature by creating lasting works that combine the artistic influences of both East and West.

Liu said during a visit to the group that it had developed into a first-class troupe with numerous outstanding performers and quality works since its founding five decades ago.

Liu congratulated the group on its 50th founding anniversary, which will fall in December.

The group should grasp opportunities to push for new developments in Chinese ballet, Liu said.

She also asked the group to provide favorable conditions for outstanding dancers.

The National Ballet of China is the country's only national ballet group. It is most famous for its fusion of classic ballet with the Chinese culture.