NEW YORK, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Adapted by Hong Kong Ballet, "The Butterfly Lovers" made its overseas debut at the David H. Koch Theater of Lincoln Center in New York City on Friday night, offering a captivating fusion of the East and the West.

Known as "the Chinese Romeo and Juliet," the timeless love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai is a beloved legend that has inspired countless adaptations in opera, music, film and other art forms.

Artists from Hong Kong made a bold attempt to combine traditional Chinese dance elements with ballet and modern dance, exploring a creative way to interpret the tragic romance.

The production brought together a team of artists from Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland, including Oscar-winning designer Tim Yip who handled set and costume design.

At the end of the two-hour performance, the audience greeted the creative team with prolonged applause and cheers.

"The ballerinas are amazing. The music is beautiful. And it is a truly wonderful artistic experience," said Nick from New Jersey.

"It's fabulous," said New York University student Tina Thompson, who watched the Chinese ballet for the first time.

"I am deeply moved by the Chinese love story though I had no idea about it previously. Ballet is universal, and it's a language that transcends national boundaries," she said.

Septime Webre, the troupe's artistic director, said that this electrifying original production "fuses the best of East and West" through re-imagining the legendary Chinese folktale. "The beauty of eternal hope is alive and well with The Butterfly Lovers."

"As an important cultural ambassador for Hong Kong, we share Hong Kong's stories and dynamic energy on the international stage," he said.

The ballet is scheduled to be staged four times in New York from Friday to Sunday.