Speeding, choreographed by Ma Bo and Li Hanzhong; and Circle, choreographed by Zi Wei, will open the performance week.

Besides the local dance troupes, three international dance companies will join in the festival for the first time.

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Slovak Dance Theater will present a new work, Carmen; Jerusalem-based dance company, Vertigo, brings their new work, Reshimo by choreographer Noa Wertheim; and choreographer Pia Meuthen from Panama Pictures of the Netherlands will stage her latest production, Go Tell the Women.

"We've been going around the world every year to see many dance festivals," Tsao says.

"Our goal is not to bring the most famous dance companies or the most established artists. We want to show audiences what the most avant-garde and the latest modern dance productions are in the world. I believe the three companies will open a new vision for the audiences in Beijing."

If you go

The Beijing Dance Festival will be held from July 13 to 25 at various venues.

The first week will feature a dance camp with workshops, advanced classes and performances by dance enthusiasts.

The second week, the performance week, will open with two works, Circle and Speeding, at 7:30 pm on July 20 at the PLA Theater, 60 Deshengmennei Dajie, Jishuitan, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6613 1718.

Ticket prices range from 180-680 yuan ($29-109).

Beijingdancefestival.com.