What's on

Stage

Modern dance

Beijing LDTX modern dance troupe's Color of Love seeks to portray modern women in the 20-40 age group. Wang Yuanyuan, the troupe's choreographer and artistic director, created the work in 2006 after being invited by the Royal Danish Ballet. Wang is one of the most sought-after choreographers of contemporary dance in China. She has also cooperated with movie director Zhang Yimou on many occasions, including the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

7:30 pm, Dec 16, 17. 120-880 yuan. Poly Theater, Dongsi Shitiao, Chaoyang district. 400-818-3333

保利剧院，朝阳区东四十条

Delightful violin

Virtuoso violinist Gil Shaham will lead the Sejong Soloists to delight audiences in Beijing. Shaham is known for his sensitive interpretation of the classics, and his Violin Concertos of the 1930s highlight this endeavor. His recordings have won him many prizes, including the Grammy Award.

The New York-based Sejong Soloists is a string orchestra composed of young musicians from different countries. Their upcoming program includes Golijov's The Last Round, Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat Major, and Haydn's Violin Concerto in G Major and Violin Concerto in C Major.

7:30 pm, Dec 15. 180-680 yuan. National Center for the Performing Arts, west of Tian'anmen Square. 6655-0000

国家大剧院, 天安门广场西

Exhibitions

Veteran artist's works

A grand retrospective show of veteran artist Chen Zhenlian's works has more than 200 ink paintings, calligraphic scrolls, seals, manuscripts, and photos on display.

They illustrate the varied interests pursued by the renowned art theorist, seal-cutter, calligrapher and educator with the China Academy of Fine Arts since the late 1970s.

9 am-5 pm, until Dec 11. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6401-7076

中国美术馆, 东城区五四大街1号

Sense of peace

Woman artist Ji Xiaofeng's exhibition, Purity, is underway.

Women are the ultimate inspiration for Ji's watercolor art. With her vibrant brush strokes, Ji interprets the innocence, purity and simplicity of women. Her paintings not only have a touch of femininity, but also a sense of peace and relaxation that cannot be found in real life.

10 am-8 pm, 1-8 pm on Sunday, until Dec 19. Beijing Central Art Gallery, 02 Riverville Square, 1 District One, Tianzhu, Shunyi district (Airport Expressway, Yanglin Exit). 6450-8483

硕华画社, 顺义天竺一区1号

Events

The art of healing

At this two-day workshop conducted by PhD Maggie Philips, participants learn how to better manage stress levels, reduce the impact of physical and emotional trauma, ease chronic aches and fatigue, and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit through somatic experience techniques.

Phillips is a clinical psychologist and the author of several books, including Reversing Chronic Pain.

East Lake Club, 35 Dongzhimen Waidajie, Chaoyang district. 137-1877-1636

朝阳区东直门外大街35号

Pets' Christmas party

The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) invites pets and their owners for its annual Christmas party. Chat with the staff and fellow pet owners while enjoying refreshments and holiday treats.

Every pet will receive a Christmas gift from ICVS. All donations will go to the ICVS Community Cats Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program, a non-profit initiative to neuter and vaccinate stray and feral cats in Beijing.

2 pm, Dec 12. International Center for Veterinary Services, Kent Center, 29 Liangmaqiao Lu, Anjialou, Chaoyang district. 8456-1939

北京新天地国际动物医院, 朝阳区安家楼亮马桥路29号(肯特中心院内)

Swing dance competition

Swing Beijing will hold its third annual China Swing Dance Contest at Salsa Caribe. The contest runs in three categories. A live jazz band would play classic swing music from the 1930s and 40s.

Visit www.swingbeijing.com or contact Josh at 139-1011-0264 to attend the contest or reserve a spot.

6 pm, Dec 12. 80 yuan. Salsa Caribe, 4 Courtyard, Gongti Beilu (behind The Bookworm), Chaoyang district. 6507-7821

朝阳区工体北路4号

Live music

Celestial music

The embryo of the band Ashram was formed in June 1997 when Sergio Panarella and Luigi Rubino first started collecting ideas for the project that would later be known by the same name.

In 2001, the line-up was expanded as Leonardo Massa joined the group, thus completing the ensemble that would make their debut with the eponymous album, Ashram, released the following year.

Crystal-clear piano sounds, nostalgia-laden notes emanating from the violin and the grace of cello combine to bring the audience a very intense feeling of emotion. The music draws the most peaceful and celestial timeless landscapes one can imagine.

8 pm, Dec 11. 150-200 yuan. Yugong Yishan. East Courtyard, site of Duanqirui Government, Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng district, 6404-2711

东城区张自忠路3-2号段祺瑞执政府旧址西院

Folk meets metal

Voodoo Kungfu, also known by the stage name of "Zero one" is a Beijing-based metal band, comprising vocalist Li Nan, horsehead cellist Chao Luomeng, guitarist Hai Feng.

Voodoo Kungfu will share the stage with a Chinese traditional folk orchestra for the first time. The show promises to be unforgettable.

9 pm, Dec 11. Mao Live House, 111 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng district. 6402-5080

东城区鼓楼东大街111号