Love Bridge, inspired by a famous Chinese legend, will be a highlight of Suzhou Ballet's European tour in September, featuring excerpts from the production. By blending Western ballet with Chinese storytelling, the piece aims to bridge cultures and captivate both local and international audiences. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"I've always been fascinated by the story of Niulang and Zhi'nyu," says Tan Yuanyuan, the ballet company's artistic director.

"It's a beautiful, well-known love story in China, and it has become part of our own version of Valentine's Day. This story resonated strongly with me, as someone born on Feb 14, (international) Valentine's Day."

Tan will lead the Suzhou Ballet on its European tour, with shows in Milan, Italy, on Sept 20 and in Paris on Sept 24.

The ballet company will perform excerpts from original Chinese ballet works, including The Dream Interrupted, adapted from the classic Kunqu Opera repertoire The Peony Pavilion, as well as the latest Love Bridge and The Rite of Spring, one of choreographer Glen Tetley's most technically challenging works.