Chinese ballet is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the National Ballet of China is launching a series of performances.

Chinese ballet is celebrating its 50th anniversary. (File photo)

The National Ballet of China has come a long way in its 50 years of existence.

Founded in 1959, the heyday of the National Ballet of China came in the late 60's.

Today's Chinese dancers have been exposed to new ways of thinking and dancing since their country first opened its doors to the west in the 1980s.