Feature: Renowned Chinese Ballet attracts large Crowd of Finnish Spectators

During the weekend's opening of Helsinki Festival, the Senate Square in the Finnish capital of Helsinki drew a crowd of curious spectators as a massive stage was set up in front of the Cathedral in the early evening hours.

They were awaiting the China Central Ballet Troupe, set to perform the world renowned ballet piece The Red Detachment of Women.

Adapted from a motion picture of the same name, the ballet tells the story of a young woman's liberation in southern China in 1930s. It premiered for the first time in 1964.

The sun was setting and around nine o'clock the stone steps leading up to the Cathedral were lined up with people eagerly awaiting the performance.

The crowd was mostly comprised of middle-aged local residents who made the short trip from their nearby apartment complex. Some had no doubt come from further reaches up north. Occasional backpackers or tourists would also stop by to snap a few pictures.

Both of the two evening's performances on Friday and Saturday were free of charge, meaning anyone could drop in to have a look if they so chose. It was reported that over four thousand viewers were present each night.

Given Finland's history of conflict with the Soviet Union, it would seem a curious circumstance seeing a crowd of predominantly Finnish spectators applauding at a performance displaying overt communist motif.

Among the spectators was Jukka Pohjolainen, production manager for Savonlinnan Opera Festivities in Finland.

"From what I gather, most, if not all, of the Finnish audience are viewing this primarily as a artistic performance piece, giving little consideration to the political undertone," he commented.

Pohjolainen has worked extensively with the performing arts on the Chinese mainland, most recently with the Shanghai Opera House.

"They have a colorful history, far more extensive than our own", he pointed out. "That is something that becomes quite evident in watching this piece as well."

Accompanying Jukka Pohjolainen last Saturday was Sari Puurtinen. She was astounded by the performers' dancing skills and the sheer professionalism through which the performance was executed.

Pohjolainen shared Puurtinen's viewpoint. "The dancers really are top of the line", he said. "If you are looking to perform with the Chinese Central Ballet Troupe you really have to be a skillful dancer".

The Saturday's performance came to a close with roaring applauds from the Finnish audience.

The two consecutive shows started the Focus China, a huge series of traditional and modern cultural events given by Chinese artists. The choice collection is also part of Helsinki Festival 2015.

Erik Soderblom, director of the Helsinki Festival, earlier said: "This will be the biggest showcase of Chinese culture and art ever taking place in Scandinavia, if not the biggest in Europe during last decade." Endit