Deputy Director of the NBC Mu Zongshun (left) and Muriel Romero, artistic director of the CND (2nd from left) at the press conference on the 7th China International Ballet Season in Beijing, on October 21, 2025 Photo: Dong Feng/GT

The Embassy of Spain and Tianqiao Theater jointly hosted a press conference on the upcoming 7th China International Ballet Season in Beijing on October 21. Artists shared their insights on the significance of cultural exchange carried out by the world's top ballet performers. 

In his speech at the press conference, Deputy Director of the National Ballet of China (NBC) Mu Zongshun said that he still remembers the branded ballet season's commitment to its original aspiration since its founding in 2013, which is "inviting the world's best ballet to the stage, allowing Chinese audiences to enjoy the world from the Beijing Tianqiao Theatre."

On behalf of the host, the NBC, Mu extended a warm welcome to the Compañía Nacional de Danza (CND) (or the National Dance Company of Spain) for its first visit. He also shared the interaction story of the ballet Don Quixote with China.

The NBC successfully staged Don Quixote as early as 1985. The legendary ballet star Rudolf Nureyev, then director of the Paris Opera Ballet, came to Beijing to teach his choreographic version, said Mu. 

"This classic ballet connects the Asian and European continents, bridging the wisdom of a Spanish literary giant and the world's top ballet artists. It is a vivid portrayal of ballet art that transcends time and space, and connects the heart and soul," Mu noted. 

In her remarks, Muriel Romero, artistic director of the CND, told her own story of tenure: "I've been deeply involved in dance for decades, and now I serve as a director promoting the spread of Spanish culture. Since 1979, the Spanish National Dance Company has been blending classical ballet with flamenco and hoda dance to create a unique style."

Romero told the Global Times that during her China tour, while on the Shanghai leg, she is impressed by the ballet talents. "The dancers [in Shanghai] turned out to be taller and even more remarkable," she said, looking forward to more international educational programs using digital technology for remote classes, as well as tools such as censors to perform better ballet programs. 

"It is expected that ballet could serve as a bridge to deepen the resonance of Chinese and Spanish art," Director Romero said. 

The Don Quixote Ballet by Marius Petipa was, together with Swan Lake, one of the most popular ballets in Russia, where it was created in 1896 upon a musical score by Ludwig Minkus. 

The opening ceremony - ballet Don Quixote by the CND is being staged in Beijing Tianqiao Theatre from October 24-26. 

The season opened on October 24, and runs until January 11, 2026.