For historical reasons, Chinese people have a special bond with Russian culture and classical music concerts are always the most popular shows in the New Year season.

Those who love Russian shows will have a lot to choose from over the next two months. The XDR Culture and Communication Company is presenting its fifth "New Year Performance Season" featuring an all-Russian program, from ballets to concerts to folk dances.

The Russian National Ballet Theater will bring Tchaikovsky's classic Sleeping Beauty to Beijing. [File photo]

"Russian culture and arts have deeply influenced a generation of Chinese people. We hope these shows could help them reminisce about the old days," says Zhao Hong, deputy manager of the XDR Culture &Communication. "What's more, 2009 is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Our season offers today's young people a glimpse of Russian arts."

The world-acclaimed Red Army Choir and Dance Ensemble will kick off the season with six shows at the Poly Theater from Dec 25-30. Standing alongside the Bolshoi Ballet and Moscow Circus as a world-class attraction, the Red Army Choir and Dance Ensemble is one of Russia's greatest entertainment treasures and has impressed millions of people throughout the world.

The Red Army ensemble has developed a spectacular new program for its Beijing shows, including dance sequences from modern ballet to Russian folk, rearranged Beatles hits and popular Chinese songs.

"We've toured China many times and this time, we return with a show especially designed for them. I hope they love it," says ensemble director, Major General Victor Eliseev,

The Russian National Ballet Theater brings Tchaikovsky's classics Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker plus Don Quixote. The Russian ballerinas will perform at the Poly Theater from Jan 12-28, celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 26 this year.

"Tchaikovsky's ballets are always the best choice for families to celebrate the holiday together," says Zhao. "The Nutcracker is the children's favorite while the other three entertain people of all ages."

On Jan 26, the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra will give a New Year concert at the Poly Theater.

Wrapping up the season will be the Beriozka (Little Birch Tree) Dance Company. The State Academic Dance Company was last year named as a Traditional Cultural Heritage of Russia. The troupe has become a symbol of Russian folk arts and visited more than 60 countries in the last 59 years.

The artists will present a colorful display of Russian folk songs and dances at the Poly Theater from Jan 29-Feb 1.

(China Daily December 18, 2008)