Choreographer John Neumeier has created a modern but timeless interpretation of The Little Mermaid, paying tribute to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen. In the closing performance of the 2012 Dance Festival at the National Center for the Performing Arts, the National Ballet of China unfolds the story in two contrasting worlds - the simple underwater life of the ocean creatures and the flamboyant lifestyle of humans. Neumeier, who has been director and chief choreographer of The Hamburg Ballet since 1973, sends the central character - the mermaid - on travels through both worlds. Neumeier also supervised the design of the costumes and the stage.

7:30 pm, Nov 23 and 24. Opera House of the National Center for the Performing Arts, No 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.