Born in Qingdao, Shandong province, She was enrolled in the middle school of the Beijing Dance Academy in 2002 and then at the academy itself in 2009.

"I have choreographed for the first time and I want to tell stories about the people around me," said She at the National Ballet of China on April 17, when a part of his dance piece was being rehearsed.

Seven choreographers, including She, will have their works staged at the Beijing theater on Thursday and Friday.

Every spring, the national ballet holds its annual workshop, which brings together young choreographers and their original works. According to Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China, this year, the seven choreographers will present their own perspectives on ballet and experiment with their ideas.

"When we initiated the workshop 11 years ago, we wanted young dancers and choreographers to think outside the box and connect ballet with contemporary life. It's our goal even today," says Feng.

"Originality is key to the development of the company. Since our first-generation choreographers, who created classic pieces such as The Red Detachment of Women, we've been keen on discovering and training young Chinese choreographers."