An opera containing the dance of "Xiangji", or the earliest tap dance in China, debuted at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing Thursday.

The opera, "Xi Shi", starred by Zhang Liping, a renowned soprano worldwide, was the NCPA's first self-developed work since it opened in July, 2007.

Xi Shi, a well-known ancient beautiful beauty in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). A native of Yue Kingdom she was offered to the king of Wu Kingdom. Legend goes that when she was washing silk at the riverside, fish in water were captivated by her beautiful feature and forgot to swim.

Xi Shi has been regarded as the founder of Chinese tap dance because she invented a dance in which dancers wearing wooden sandals performed on wooden floor, said Xiao Yanying, a choreographer of the opera.

"We try to blend ancient dance with modern elements," Xiao said.

The opera will last until Nov. 5.

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