Water is essential to all forms of life. It can be beautiful at times, and cruel at others. One Australian choreographer also finds it inspiring. Graeme Murphy debuted his new production on Friday, aptly named "Water" in collaboration with the Shanghai Ballet.

"Water" is the over-arching theme of Murphy's production, which depicts all four elements, fire, air, earth and water.

The piece interprets the connection between water,humans and the environment. With the help of various dance styles including large group performances, solos and trios, it represents the variability of water, its tranquility as well as its cruelty in disasters.

"Water" is being staged alongside Shanghai Ballet's piano piece, "Dream Back Shanghai".

59-year-old Murphy is one of Australia's top dance choreographers. With his wife, fellow dancer Janet Vernon, he's guided the Sydney Dance Company for 32-years.

Murphy has been visiting China since 1982. He was awarded the first ever cultural exchange medal by China's Ministry of Culture.

Modern ballet