The ninth "Meet in Beijing" art festival came to a close on Friday night with the splendor of a Russian ballet performance as its grand finale.

The performance was a rare experience for local ballet lovers. The all-star ballet troupe is comprised of the most outstanding Russian school artists from the most prestigious theatres including the Bolshoi, Mariinsky,and Stanislavsky.

They present not only segments from classical works such as "Swan Lake" and "Giselle", but also modern and contemporary pieces such as "Lento" and "Bolero". Their performances leave no doubt that Russian ballet is still the preeminent driver of both traditional and modern styles.

The group has given more than 900 performances all over the world, winning critical acclaim for their artistic perspective and interpretation.

Ballet, especially Russian ballet has enjoyed a stable fan base in China for over half a century.

A spectator said, "I'm a language teacher and I'm a crazy ballet fan. I've enjoyed ballet performances in Havana and Moscow and I admire the Russian school the most. And I'm always thrilled to see excellent ballet shows in Beijing, which is an art tradition in China."

A spectator said, "As a father, I bought the tickets for my son as a present for Children's Day. I have taken him to different shows organized by the "Meet in Beijing" Festival, and I regard it a great art education to my child."

Over the past month, more than 500-thousand people have been attracted to "Meet in Beijing" activities. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the festival, in its ninth year, has invited artists and art groups from over 20 countries and regions to Beijing. Ranging from symphony music to drama and opera and public-welfare programs as well as an exhibition to multi-media play, modern dance and contemporary music "Meet in Beijing" has become a magnet for the city's energy, and spectacular arts from around the world.

(CCTV May 31, 2009)