Jointly sponsored by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Publicity Department of Shanghai Municipal Committee of CPC, and Shanghai Dance Theatre, the ballet Crested Ibises was performed at the Opera House of National Centre for the Performing Arts at 19:30 pm on December 9, 2014. Vice-chairman Eligen Imibakhi of NPC and President of the Chinese-Arab Friendship Association, President Gu Xiulian of China-ASEAN Association, President Li Xiaolin of CPAFFC, and over two hundred foreign diplomats from more than eighty countries and regions attended the debut.
The ballet Crested Ibises is an outstanding artistic creation based on the true story of the international protection of this endangered species, crested ibis (also known as Toki). The crested ibises, widely distributed in northeast Asia, used to live in harmony with human, which, however, have been declared endangered in 1970s. Fortunately, Chinese scientists accidentally found 7 wild ibises alive in Shaanxi Provience in the year of 1981, and implemented conservation program for this species soon after that. Through protection and care, the beautiful ibises appear in people’s sight again.
The ballet combines traditional Chinese dance with classic ballet and modern dance, with the metaphor presented in the story of harmonious coexistence of human and nature as well as of all humans, inspiring people to cherish the crested ibises, to cherish nature, and to cherish the earth.
Foreign diplomats and guests home and abroad coming at the invitation of CPAFFC made the debut a meeting point to enhance their friendship as well as a chance to enjoy the wonderful performance. The audience reflected that the thought-provoking story stressed the importance of peace, friendship and cooperation among all nations.
