The Seventh Shanghai International Arts Festival begins this week. Shanghai Ballet presents classical programs to attract the audiences. The show includes well known choreographer George Balanchine's Serenade, Don Quixote Act Three and a modern piece. The dancers gave up the vocation of National Day and began to rehearse from October 4.

Serenade belongs to a special dance school which requires speed and coordination of the body. So it is a good challenge for dancers as the first time. The Ballet Master from Balanchine Trust speaks highly of the dancers' hard work.

The modern piece, named Conversation with Chopin choreographed by Mrs. WANG Yuanyuan, joint choreographer of the Ballet Raise the Red Lantern is divided into five sections which express five emotions. It is not easy for the dancers since Shanghai Ballet emphasis more on classical ballets.

In order to guarantee the quality of performance, the dancers are physically and mentally under great pressure. They only have one day off at weekends and work until 6 or 7 in the evening. But all the dancers adhere to the last moment.