Roland Petit, father of the “Pink Floyd Ballet,” was awarded the cultural exchange and contribution prize by the Ministry of Culture of China on January 29. The 84 year old French choreographer has exerted himself promoting Chinese ballet art in recent years. Under his supervision, “Pink Floyd Ballet” has been performed twice in Beijing by the National Ballet of China, and premiered at the National Centre For The Performing Arts on January 29.

Roland Petite and His Rock Ballet

“Pink Floyd Ballet” is something unique. It was very modern 30 years ago and is still fashionable today.

Roland Petit first choreographed the ballet in 1973 in Paris after he happened to listen to an album by Pink Floyd, a legendary rock group in the 1970s and 80s.

Petit said he hated rock music at that time and when his daughter recommended a Pink Floyd album, he didn’t want to listen to it. But his daughter insisted and put it on his desk.

To his surprise, Petit immediately fell in love with the music. He flew to London to meet the band, and decided to create a ballet using Pink Floyd songs.

The 90 minute pure dance ballet consists of 18 sections and 12 pieces from the renowned albums “The Wall,” “The Dark Side of the Moon,” “Meddle,” “Relics,” and “Obscured by Clouds.”

The ballet includes a variety of solos, duets, trios, and ensemble dances.