The China Central Ballet Troupe and five foreign ballet theaters will perform together in Beijing to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of George Balanchine, one of the world's greatest choreographers. 

The show will be staged at the prestigious Great Hall of the People, in central Beijing, on Jan. 20, jointly by the Chinese ballet troupe and Opera National de Paris, Kirov Ballet of Russia, American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, and Royal Ballet of Britain.

The China Central Ballet Troupe, including some international prize-winning members, is the national leader in this field.

George Balanchine was the founder of the American Ballet Troupe, which is now the New York City Ballet. 

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2004)