The Suzhou Ballet Theater is bringing the "Love Bridge" to Shanghai on December 11-12 at the Shanghai International Dance Center, nearly two decades after its premiere.

It is based on the Chinese legend of lovers Niu Lang and Zhi Nu, who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year when a flock of magpies forms a bridge for them. Jointly produced by European, American, and Asian artists, it premiered at the Shanghai Grand Theater in 2007 as the closing performance of the 9th China Shanghai International Arts Festival and starred the well-known ballet artist Tan Yuanyuan.

Tan, now serving as the artistic director of the Suzhou Ballet Theater, has reimagined the performance.

The latest work has infused the graceful strength of Jiangnan (regions south of the Yangtze River) aesthetics and the rigorous structure of Western ballet to create a contemporary dance language that balances lyrical abstraction and realism.

In this production, the Magpie Bridge transcends its mythological origins to become a symbol of freedom and courage, while the lovers' journey to overcome separation evolves into a poignant reflection on emotional courage in modern relationships.

If you go:

Date: December 11-12, 7:30pm

Tickets: 80-680 yuan (US$11-96)

Tel: 5299-0372, 5299-5821

Venue: Grand Theater, Shanghai International Dance Center

Address: 1650 Hongqiao Rd | 虹桥路1650号

How to buy tickets: