"The Pharaoh's Daughter" was the debut of world renowned choreographer Marius Petipa. [Photo: Chncpa.org/ Damir Yusupov]

The annual "Meet in Beijing" Art Festival will begin at the end of April. The theme of the one-month-long event will be "You Create Art", signifying interaction between art and the audience. By applying a low price policy, the festival hopes to draw larger numbers of audience into theaters to watch shows by artists from all over the world.

The "Meet in Beijing" Art Festival opens on April 30, and runs until May 28. More than thirty art troupes from sixteen countries and regions will stage performances. There will also be outdoor activities.

Highlights of the festival include two ballet pieces by the Moscow Bolshoi Theater, "The Pharaoh's Daughter" and "Don Quixote". "The Pharaoh's Daughter" was the debut of world renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.

The programme includes new and contemporary ballet, like "Snow White", choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj, and using Gustav Mahler's symphony scores. The costumes are designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. The ballet was an enormous success when it debuted in Paris in 2008.

Spain's National Dance Troupe will bring two Flamenco pieces "The Sky of Madrid" and "Legend", with a set design that breathes new life into the genre.

There will also be a 3-D drama "Aladdin", aimed at a younger audience. The viewers will need to wear 3-D glasses to watch the show.

It's the festival's tenth year. As one of the largest art events in Asia during spring, "Meet in Beijing" has previously introduced worldwide hits such as "River Dance" and "Cats" to the Chinese capital. During its ten years, art troupes from over 110 countries and regions have taken part. "Meet in Beijing" also debuts many Chinese art pieces every year. The festival has become an important platform for cultural exchanges, and a key symbol of the Beijing art scene.