| Chinese ensemble enthralls Arabs with oriental style |
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| Tuesday,July 15,2008 Posted: 05:35 BJT(2135 GMT) |
| From:xinhua Article type:Reproduced |
AMMAN, July 12 (Xinhua) -- "This is undoubtedly a splendid Chinese cultural and art feast. I really enjoy it. China is so fascinating," a Kuwaiti who took his families on summer vacation here commented on a performance by a Chinese ensemble in the Al Hussein Cultural Center on Saturday.
The ensemble, better known as the Hunan Provincial Theater of Opera and Dance Drama, is the only Chinese group invited to the Jordan Festival which runs through August 9.
The 24-member team, all in their 20s, has enthralled the Arab audiences, including those from surrounding countries. The two-hour debut has incorporated romantic dance routines, diverse ethnic life styles and colorful Chinese cultural elements.
"The calligraphy charm" earned rapturous applause from the audience, as it combined the Chinese calligraphy art with traditional Taiji martial art. About a dozen boys in white loose silk costumes waved writing brushes, alternating slow graceful poses with dazzling swift movements. This created the visual effects as if the boys were practicing Taiji swords, with their brushes suddenly turned into swords.
"This is marvelous," said a retired professor who was still thrilled by the performance, "Dancing is one of the best keys to open another culture. I can't speak Chinese, but there is hardly any problem for me to appreciate their performance."
Besides classical cultural symbols such as mural and calligraphy, the team also added an ethnic touch to their performance, showcasing the life of ethnic minorities including Miao, Tujia, and Dai. The humorous and vivid performance brought giggles and laughter from audiences.
"We wish to be a window of Chinese culture. With just a slight push, outsiders could easily see what is inside. It is our great pleasure if tonight's performance can offer a glimpse into China." said Yan Bingbo, head of the team.
Yan said the team had just finished its weeks-long performance tours in Germany and Israel.
Founded in 1953, the Hunan Provincial Theater of Opera and Dance Drama has grown into a comprehensive performing art institution combining song and dance ensemble, symphony orchestra, folk music troupe, chorus, as well as a dancing school.
The team will stage another two performances in Jordan before returning to China, Yan said.
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