BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The fifth Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition, unveiled on Saturday, will reach its climax on Friday evening as the award and closing ceremony will be held at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA).

The competition in the past few days saw 116 dancers from countries including China, the United States, Canada, Russia and South Africa contending for the awards with their amazing performances, with world-class artists serving as the jury.

The competition, hosted by the NCPA, aims to promote ballet in China, encourage international ballet exchanges and scout for ballet talent.

Sparkling galas gathering a number of internationally renowned dancers are planned for July 20 and 21, bringing the audience unique neo-classical and modern dances in addition to classical pas de deux.