CCTV9英语新闻：Gala held remembering ballet dancer's 100th anniv. of birth

Late dance legend Dai Ailian was born into a third-generation Chinese family in Trinidad, learned ballet and modern dance in London, and went on to become a famed dancer, choreographer, and educator in the 'New China'. On the 100th anniversary of her birth, the National Ballet of China has staged a gala to remember her.

 The 100th anniversary of Dai Ailian's birth

As a founder and leading light of China's contemporary dance scene, Dai Ailian choreographed many renowned dance pieces, including this one from the 1950s, "The Lotus Dance".

Combining elements from Chinese folk dance and classical dance, the piece was conceived as a tribute to the homeland and to peace. It won second prize at the World Youth and Student Peace and Friendship Gathering in Berlin in 1953.

Dai also choreographed and performed the dance dramas "Dove of Peace", "Flying Apsaras", and "Spring Outing".

And she recorded many folk-dancing forms - including Tibetan Dance, the Lion Dance, the Red Silk Dance, and the Sword Dance - saving them from extinction. Meanwhile, she was a keen dance educator, training generations of new talents.

  The 100th anniversary of Dai Ailian's birth

"Her spirit has inspired, and will inspire, more dancers to create excellent pieces for the people. She loved people, and her dances depict the lives of ordinary people and express their feelings. Today's dancers should learn from her," said Wang Caijun, Party Secretary of National Ballet of China. 

At the gala, the National Ballet of China teamed up with the Paris Opera Theater Ballet Troupe to perform pieces created or adapted by Dai. Along with 'The Lotus Dance', these included 'Giselle' and 'Don Quixote'.

The gala is one of a series of activities conducted by China's Ministry of Culture and the China Artists Association to treasure the memory of this great dance master. A museum will also be set up inside her former residence.