On February 2, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the United States held the "Ballet Night" Dinner to celebrate the successful conclusion of the National Ballet of China (NBC)’s performances of Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife Madam Wang Dan, Minister Counselor Chen Chunmei, NBC Director and Artistic Director Feng Ying, NBC Music Director and Conductor Zhang Yi, Vice President of the Kennedy Center Alicia Adams, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art Chase Robinson, and representatives from the U.S. cultural and arts communities attended the event.  

In his remarks, Ambassador Xie said that the latest collaboration between the National Ballet of China and the Kennedy Center not only presented a world-class art spectacle to the audience, but also written a new chapter in China-U.S. cultural exchanges. During the Chinese New Year, the NBC traveled thousands of miles to the United States to stage seven performances in five days, all of which drew a full house. The American audience marveled at how the NBC breathed new life into The Nutcracker, taking them on a journey through the splendid world of traditional Chinese culture. Chinese and American artists performed alongside local children, to together tell the heartwarming story of family reunion and harmony during the Spring Festival through the language of dance. This is a perfect blend of Chinese and western cultures, and also speaks of our people’s shared aspiration for a better life. Ambassador Xie expressed his hope that the two countries will build more bridges to draw people closer through high-quality performances, exhibitions and cultural events.

During the dinner, young ballet dancers from the NBC performed original works including “”Where Has Spring Gone?”, a ballet incorporating the Peking Opera into classical ballet, as well as excerpts from Swan Lake. Guests celebrated the Chinese New Year together through authentic Chinese cuisine, and envisioned a brighter future for China-U.S. cultural exchanges and cooperation.

The “Ballet Night” Dinner was part of the Chinese Embassy’s 2025 “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations.