Looking for fun things to do this weekend? Why not see a ballet performance or learn Mandarin? That and more in The Weekend Ahead…
Swan Lake by Russian State Ballet in Beijing, May 5
Swan Lake is one of the most famous and loved of all ballets by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The performance, produced by Evgeny Amosov, the artistic director of the Russian National Ballet Theatre, has been heralded around the world. Swan Lake’s glamorous set is evocative of the Russian Imperial world in which the ballet was created, while the haunting moonlit lake is perfect for the tragic conflict between the human and spirit worlds. The audience will be swept away by the vulnerability of the protagonist princess Odette, who is turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.
The internationally recognized Russian State Ballet is directed by the Russian Ministry of Culture and has visited more than 80 countries and regions. Its repertoire includes not only classical performances such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty, but also modern ballets set to the music of Mozart, Bach, and Ravel.
All ages. RMB 90-140. 7.30-9.30pm. Tickets are available at https://en.damai.cn/event/tickets_118556/. For queries about purchasing tickets, call 400 610 3721 or 1010 3721 or e-mail ponypiao@damai.cn. Beijing Century Theatre – 40 Liangmaqiao Road South, Chaoyang District 朝阳区亮马桥南侧40号.
Language Learning with That’s Mandarin, May 5
All ages. According to China’s 24 solar terms, Lixia 立夏 means the end of Spring but also the beginning of Summer. The weather is getting warmer, but also stormy, which means it’s time for people to play the “fighting-eggs” game (斗蛋游戏), and enjoy some tasty broad beans 蚕豆. That’s Mandarin is organizing a cultural event packed with fun games connected to language learning. More event details will be revealed to participants on the day of the event. RMB 100. 7pm-9pm. That’s Mandarin.
Spring in the City, May 6
All ages. The Beijing City International School (BCIS) is hosting its annual Spring in the City fair, which will be held on their main campus soccer field. Under the marvelous theme “The Festival of Arts,” BCIS will be staging a wonderful day that will surely amaze! Many performers will take to the stage, while over 60 booths will be set up selling food, crafts, and other unique items. Last but not least, there will also be a raffle draw featuring amazing prizes to be won. Free. 11am-3pm. Beijing City International School (BCIS). (bciscommunications@bcis.cn, 8771 7171).
Roundabout Open Weekend, May 6-7
All ages. Come and learn more about the amazing work of Roundabout this weekend, while meeting some of the children and families whose lives they have touched. Also present, will be some of the charities Roundabout also partners with to bring a little good back to the people that make Beijing so amazing. There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy some fantastic activities, shop, eat, laugh, and catch up with friends! Free. 9.30am-4pm. Roundabout. (chowlilyzhou@yahoo.com, 150 1018 7653).
Imperialism, Opium, and Nationalism: A Walk and Discussion at the Old Summer Palace, May 6
All ages. The Old Summer Palace contains the ruins of Yuanmingyuan, one of a series of lavish imperial gardens destroyed in 1860 during the Second Opium War. Today the shattered pillars, stone foundations, and abandoned archways are a vivid reminder to visitors of the “Century of Humiliation” and the tragedy of imperialism in 19th-century China. The events of that century continue to play a role in shaping how China views the world today. This walking tour will discuss the background of the Opium Wars and how the memories of the imperialist era are kept alive as part of China’s contemporary political culture. Along the way, you will wander the ruins and explore one of Beijing’s most beautiful historic parks. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for members of The Hutong) includes all guide fees, boat ride, tips, and admission tickets. 10am-1pm. The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan).
The Ming and the Manchus: A Walk and Discussion at the Forbidden City, May 7
All ages. For nearly 600 years, the Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties governed China from behind the high red walls of the Forbidden City. This walk and discussion look at what life was like in the palace for the men and women who lived and worked there. They will talk about the differences between the two dynasties, and how these concepts still play a large part current and likely future politics. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for members of The Hutong) includes all entrance tickets. 1pm-4pm. The Forbidden City.
Photos: That’s Mandarin, the Russian State Ballet, BCIS, Roundabout, The Hutong
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Email: andypenafuerte@beijing-kids.com
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