The National Ballet Troupe of China  was set up in 1959. Young performers were tutored by Russian experts who were invited to join the troupe. The top three most famous Chinese Ballets are The Red Detachment of Women, White Haired Girl and Raise The Red Lantern.

 After learning orthodox ballet skills, and initially performing western classics, the troupe created their own piece.  "The Red Detachment of Women," which went on to become a timeless Chinese ballet classic. The piece centers around a girl of wretched fate who enrolls in the Red Army to follow a revolutionary path. It portrays a lively image of valiant female soldiers.

"The Red Detachment of Women" developed into a classic that has moved several generations of audiences. It was also one of eight "model plays" during the cultural revolution, along with "White Haired Girl."

""Red" and "White," as two of the eight "model plays," dominated an era. They influenced several generations regarding their understanding and ideas of dance and ballet."

Upon the establishment of the National Ballet Troupe of China, the late premier Zhou Enlai and other leaders of the country were thinking that China could communicate with other countries using the western art form.

Chinese dance strolled outside starting with ballet. Since 1960, "The Red Detachment of Women," which has been staged 2,500 times in China over the last years, is frequently invited for performances in renowned international theaters.

 "Raise The Red Lantern" has been dubbed a new classic. With film director Zhang Yimou at the helm, it dazzles foreign audiences with both -Cheung-sum-wearing ballerinas and the show's overall visual extravagance.

 In 2001, "The Red Detachment Of Women" and the ballet piece, "Raise The Red Lantern," are both in the repertoire of the National Ballet Troupe.

Today,  Chinese dancers  have realized this goal of Mr. Zhou Enlai. they have reached the point where, without words, they can communicate with foreign audiences using their familiar art form ballet.

After Chinese troupe performed "The Red Detachment Of Women" and "Raise The Red Lantern" in Italy,  an Italian critic said "if "The Red Detachment Of Women" was a propaganda tool in the past, we now think it's a cultural treasure of China,  while "Raise the Red Lantern" represents modern China".

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