"Swan Lake" performed in Belgium by Chinese dancers

Ballet dancers from China's Shanghai Ballet have given their first performance of "Swan Lake" in the Belgian city of Antwerp.

Ballet dancers from China's Shanghai Ballet perform "Swan Lake" at City Theater in Antwerp, Belgium, on October 7, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

One of the highlights of the drama is that it's performed by 48 "swans," whereas there were only 16 to 24 in previous editions.

Shanghai Ballet Director Xin Lili said a spectacular dance from so many performers didn't come easily.

"It's quite difficult for 48 dancers, wearing nice costumes on the same stage with good scenery, to perform beautifully. All the movements from the performers, be it from hands, heads or other parts, must act in unison just like the army," said Xin.

Ballet dancers from China's Shanghai Ballet perform "Swan Lake" at City Theater in Antwerp, Belgium, on October 7, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

The performance was part of Shanghai Ballet's 2-month tour in the Netherlands and Belgium, upon invitation by Dutch theater group Stardust.

Jasper Gasia, a staff member of Stardust, spoke highly of the performance.

"I've had a pleasure of seeing Swan Lake performed by Shanghai Ballet dozens of times, they never amazed me (before their performance in Antwerp). What I think is, the best ballet (group) in the world at the moment, the first time I saw it, the energy they brought on stage and something new made me feel excited, so I feel (honored) working with them," said Gasia.

Ballet dancers from China's Shanghai Ballet take a curtain call at the end of the performance of "Swan Lake" at City Theater in Antwerp, Belgium, on October 7, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

Shanghai Ballet is set to do 40 shows of Swan Lake across 9 cities in the Netherlands and Belgium.