"Peony Pavilion", a Chinese ballet produced and performed by the National Ballet of China makes its world premiere in Beijing on Friday, May 2, 2008.(Photo: CRIENGLISH.com)

Peony Pavilion, a ballet produced and performed by the National Ballet of China (NBC), made its world premiere in Beijing on Friday, China's portal website Sina reports.

Known as one of the greatest dramas in China, Peony Pavilion is a love story written by Tang Xianzu (1550-1616) during the Ming Dynasty.

The show blends traditional Chinese culture with western ballet, so as to appeal to audiences worldwide. Academy Award-winning costume designer Emi Wada is one of overseas artists among the production crew.

The ballet is on stage at Beijing's Tianqiao Theatre until May 7, the report said.

NBC's last offering was the 2001 production of Raise the Red Lantern. It was adapted from a film of the same name which was directed by leading Chinese director, Zhang Yimou.