An exhibition on the history of ballet was unveiled at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing on August 4.

The display includes replicated paintings portraying ballerinas from Edgar Degas, along with ballet shoes signed by veteran dancer Tan Yuanyuan. A series of sculptures and photos featuring ballet dance are also being showcased.

China offered its first professional training for ballerinas in Beijing towards the end of 1959.

Debuted in 1964, dance drama adaptation Red Detachment of Women was the first ballet dance based on a Chinese story.

Later, Chinese choreographers created a series of ballet adapted from Chinese literature, including Thunderstorm and Ah Q.

The exhibition will run until August 30.