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(Macao, December 19, 2012) -This Christmas, the National Ballet of China is performing the beloved traditional ballet The Nutcracker at the Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel from December 21 to 25. This unique presentation of the holiday classic at the Venetian Theatre is refreshingly different from other performances; the ballet troupe adapted the original play in 2000, adding a number of distinctive Chinese features, creating a highly sought-after event. In December 2010, the show was restaged with a brand new stage design and major revisions to the story and choreography. 

This addition of Chinese elements into the original play has become one of the principal features of this Chinese edition of The Nutcracker. The background to the original version is the importance of Christmas to the West, but the National Ballet of China has in its place incorporated China's traditional Spring Festival, with the story now centred in Beijing. The whole play is conducted in a Chinese atmosphere that includes firecrackers, glazed tile pieces, a temple fair, red packets, festive dinners, the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, blue and white porcelain, silk and antiques. The play also features much use of the colour red, adding even more Chinese ambience.

Although numerous Chinese elements have been added, the play still retains the soul of the original classic, featuring the exquisite skills of world-class dancers and Tchaikovsky's well-known and beloved score. One scene in this new version is about a Swedish ambassador visiting a Chinese collector during Chinese New Year, taking with her a western Nutcracker doll,which serves as the starting point of the drama andallows the exchange of eastern and western cultures to be vividly demonstrated.

Members of the National Ballet of China are mainly graduates of the Beijing Dance Academy and are experienced in group work and performance. Some of the present members have been with the troupe for as long as 15 years. Since 2000, when the company initially performed the adapted Chinese version of The Nutcracker, it has gone on to perform in many different locations. Other famous performances include Swan Lake, The Red Detachment of Women and Raise the Red Lantern. The company not only performs classical plays, but also incorporates traditional Chinese styles. Moreover, the National Ballet of China attempts to express modern ballet with passion, bringing audiences performances of a high level of excellence. The troupe has performed far and wide, in locations including Western Europe, North America, South America, Russia, Greece, Switzerland and France. It even had the chance to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival and at the Art Centre Melbourne, and has been recognised by international magazines, including Italy's "Panorama" and England's "The Times" and "Financial Times." Its professional stature is widely acknowledged.

At each performance, the troupe pays close attention to the precious opportunity for exchange with local dance companies. It regularly invites local dance academies or regiments to participate in performances. This time the National Ballet of China has specially invited 12 students aged 6 to 7, from the well-established Escola de Ballet Hong Peng Wa, Macao, to perform a scene called "The Golden Pig Dance" during the Macao performance. In the scene, the children run out from a big golden piggy bank to celebrate the coming of the New Year.

180 of the company's members are coming to Macao, including over 60 dancers, and will spend about 10 days at The Venetian Macao. The Director and Artistic Director of National Ballet of China Ms. Ying Feng said, "We are honoured to cooperate with The Venetian Macao, and hope we can set up a long-time collaboration to perform here every year. Moreover, we also feel excited to dance at the Venetian Theatre, one of the premier stages in greater China. We are very excited to be able to give a performance on such a high-level stage, and we are duly inspired."

Tickets for the December 21 to 25 performances of The Nutcracker at the Venetian Theatre are on sale now at all Sands China box offices*.

Photo caption:The renowned National Ballet of China will perform the classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, at the Venetian Theatre from December 21 to 25. Tickets are available now at all Sands China box offices.

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Entertainment at Sands China Ltd. Properties

Sands China Ltd. has as a clear vision to establish Macao as Asia's top entertainment destination.  

The 15,000-seat CotaiArena™ is the only venue in Asia ranked in Pollstar's Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues based on ticket sales. It is the top entertainment destination in southern China, hosting the world's and the region's biggest names in music, sports and awards shows. Superstars frequently choose the venue as the starting point of their Asian tours.   

The 1800-seat, multi-purpose Venetian Theatre is one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in greater China. Featuring ushers in black-tie, champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other unique, premium amenities, it offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience. The Venetian Theatre is playing a key role in bringing the best in international and Chinese entertainment to Macao, with a luxury theatre experience like no other in the region.  

The 650-seat Sands Macao Hotel theatre regularly features internationally-renowned singers, performers and artists of the highest calibre. From traditional Chinese-costumed dancers to modern performances, and from singing troupes to contemporary bands, everything from Western rock to Cantonese pop is covered.    

With an unbeatable diversity, the entertainment offering of Sands China Ltd. is ushering in a new era of entertainment in Macao.

* CotaiArena™ Box Office; The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel - Main Lobby Box Office; Four Seasons Hotel - The Plaza™ Casino Box Office; Sands^® Macao - Casino Floor L1 Box Office; Sands^® Cotai Central - CotaiTicketing™ Box Offices (Holiday Inn and East Bus Lobby)