The prestigious Kirov Ballet made its China debut on the evening of November 4 in Beijing performing "Swan Lake ".

Founded in 1738, the Kirov Ballet has 135 performers which include some of the most famous ballet dancers--Uliana Lopatkina, Svetlana Zakharova, Yulia Makhalina, Veronika Part, Igor Zelensky, Farouk Ruzimatov and Iiya Kuznetsov. Critics say that the Kirov Ballet combines classical traditions with technical virtuosity.

"The Kirov Ballet's rendition of 'Swan Lake' is brilliant," said Chinese dancer Zi Huajun. "While it is considered essential for any foreign visitor to China to go to the Great Wall, it is essential that all ballet fans in China go and see Kirov Ballet's rendition of 'Swan Lake'," Zi said.

"Every ballerina dreams of performing the swan," said Chinese ballerina Feng Ying, who has performed the part more than 100 times.

Organizers said that Kirov Ballet's debut in China has attracted enormous interest. All tickets for performances have been sold out. The Beijing Exhibition Center Theater provides 60 best seats in the house at 1,999 yuan (240 US dollars) each for each performance over the next four days.