FIRST OFF . . .

In a surprise announcement made at a gala for the opening night of its Los Angeles premiere of “The Nutcracker,” the Joffrey Ballet disclosed that it will travel to China next fall for an international arts festival marking the 40th anniversary of the People’s Republic. David H. Murdock, chairman of the Los Angeles Founding Directors of the Joffrey, initiated the dialogue with the Chinese and will serve as host for a group of benefactors who will travel with the troupe when it goes to Beijing and a second Chinese city still to be determined. The Chinese have seen the classical styles of Soviet and European stars but want for their festival the “youthful energy and wide range of dance” represented by American choreography and the Joffrey, according to the company’s executive director, Penelope Curry. Details of programs and logistics for the trip still must be worked out, but works by Gerald Arpino of the Joffrey and other American choreographers will be included, Curry said Sunday.