Group 1 - The Cuban National Ballet Company successfully completed its tour in China with the classic ballet "Swan Lake," performing 18 shows across 13 cities, marking a significant cultural exchange as it coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba [3][9]. - The performance of "Swan Lake" showcased a unique interpretation infused with Latin rhythms, highlighting the vibrant and energetic style characteristic of Cuban ballet [4][5]. - The artistic director, Viengsay Valdes, emphasized the goal of delivering a performance filled with joy and passion, which resonated well with the audience, evidenced by their enthusiastic applause [5][6]. Group 2 - Alicia Alonso, known as the "Mother of Cuban Ballet," played a pivotal role in establishing the Cuban ballet style, blending classical techniques with Cuban cultural elements, which has become a hallmark of the Cuban National Ballet [6][7]. - The Cuban ballet style is characterized by powerful jumps, fast turns, and emotional expressiveness, which have been cultivated under Alonso's guidance, leading to the development of a distinctive "Cuban school" of ballet [7][8]. - The legacy of Alonso continues through Valdes, who now leads the company and maintains the strong cultural ties between Cuba and China, as seen in their collaborative performances and exchanges over the years [9][10].

Core Points - The "Ballet Night" and the award ceremony for the Liaoning (Shenyang) Ballet Competition took place on August 14, gathering over a thousand participants from more than ten countries, including contestants, international judges, and guests [1] - The event showcased the elegance and spirit of ballet, with high-level performances and emotional expressions from the contestants, highlighting the unique charm of ballet art [1] - Awards were presented by six international judges, including the renowned ballet dancer Vladimir Malakhov, with a total of nine awards given, including bronze, best choreography, and best performance [1] - Zhao Ruheng emphasized the importance of nurturing young artists and contributing to the development and inheritance of Chinese ballet, while Xiao Suhua noted the deep dialogue between international ballet standards and Chinese ballet's diverse charm [1] Performance Highlights - During the award ceremony, exquisite ballet performances were presented, including "Etude" by the Liaoning Ballet Youth Troupe and modern ballet piece "Smile" by contestant Li Hang, showcasing the high teaching standards and talent development of the Liaoning Ballet [2] - Classical ballet works such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Don Quixote" allowed the audience to experience the infinite charm of classical ballet [2] - The event concluded with a GALA performance titled "Dancing Stars," featuring award-winning contestants, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience [2] Cultural Impact - The Liaoning (Shenyang) Ballet Competition served as a platform for dancers from various countries to exchange ideas, contributing to the revitalization of Liaoning's artistic endeavors [2] - The event reflects Liaoning's determination and spirit in building a culturally strong province, aiming to unite and inspire the community through cultural initiatives [2]