WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Richmond Ballet of Virginia announced Monday that it will perform at the 15th Annual "Meet in Beijing" Arts Festival during its China tour running from May 17 to June 1.

The trip will mark the Ballet's first-ever journey to Asia, during which it will conduct a series of performances and cultural exchange programs in such Chinese cities as Beijing, Shanghai, Jinan and Dezhou, the troupe's artistic director Stoner Winslett told reporters at the Chinese Embassy to the United States.

Wu Xi, an official at the embassy, said the Richmond Ballet's China tour will not only promote cultural exchanges between the two nations, but also set the stage for future understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

During the two-week tour, the troupe, now in its 30th season, will perform a theme drama titled "Made in the USA: Traditions and Innovations" and other ballet programs.