Venezuelean dance Khoropo [Photo/E.Masalkov]

Before performing in the capital, the dance company — informally known as the Igor Moiseyev Ballet — visited Wuhan, Qingdao, Shanghai and Chongqing beginning in November.

"We don't often perform in China but every time we come here, we have a great time," says artistic director Elena Shcherbakova, 64.

"The audiences have changed and we see lots of young people come to our performances. We are excited to show the new generation about our dances and our troupe's history."

Founded by Moiseyev in 1937, the dance company was the world's first ensemble of popular dance. It has toured extensively in over 60 countries. Debuts in London in 1955 and in US in 1958 each won great acclaim.

"Moiseyev played an exceptional role in world dance and he took folk dance to a new height, creating a new form of choreography. He had made worldwide audiences aware of the country's cultural richness," says Shcherbakova. "Being an artistic director of the company, my mission is to treasure and preserve the traditions of Moiseyev."

She also notes that the longevity of the dance company lies in the solid techniques and the philosophy created by Moiseyev, who not only drew inspiration from his own Russian background but also developed an ever-growing repertoire, including dances of Spain, Japan, China, Bulgaria, Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Hungary and even American jazz and rock 'n' roll.

If you go

7:30 pm, Dec 13 and 14. Poly Theater, 14 Dongzhimenwai Street, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 400-610-3721.