Although half a century has elapsed since Chen first danced on the stage, the passage of time does not seem to have left its mark on the slender dancer.

According to the organizers from the Shanghai Municipal Performance Company, at the age of 62, the veteran dancer Chen is still enchanting audiences as she has throughout her life-long career.

Being an orphan, Chen was brought up by the Shanghai local government and sent to dance school in Beijing when she was 14.

She starred in the country's first individual dance show in 1980, and has won numerous domestic and international awards for her exquisite artistry.

One of her most famous roles was Fan Yi, in an adaptation of the play "Thunderstorm", written by the late Chinese playwright, Cao Yu.

Though she has been a mother and president of her own dance school, Chen has never given up her pursuit of the dancing art. She has continued to dance on the stage until now.

Her impressive vitality has earned her the title of "Dancing Evergreen."

This time, Chen will donate all the proceeds from the performances to the establishment of educational institutions in China.

"I was brought up by the country, and I am always thinking of repaying the benefaction with my little contribution," Chen said.

7:15pm, December 15-16

Majestic Theatre

66 Jiangning Lu

Tel: 6217-2426, 6217-4409

80-500 yuan

(Shanghai Star December 13, 2002)