International dancers strum cross-cultural chords in Xinjiang

URUMQI -- Over the weekend, streets and parks across Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region sprang to life as performers from the 7th China Xinjiang International Ethnic Dance Festival erupted into vibrant flash mobs, pulling eager crowds into the pulsing rhythms.

Running from July 20 to Aug 5, the festival featured 52 performances by 24 art groups from home and abroad, staged across the region's main venue in Urumqi and six branch locations, namely, Ili, Hotan, Aksu, Karamay, Hami and Alaer.

Renowned art groups from eight countries, including Kazakhstan, Cambodia, the United States and Italy, brought a rich mix of dance dramas, ethnic operas, musicals, ballet, and modern dance to the festival.

The Italian art troupe Balletto di Milano joined Xinjiang dancers for a thrilling flash mob at Urumqi's iconic Grand Bazaar. As the Italian performers moved through the bustling streets, they were captivated by the vibrant and varied dances of the Xinjiang ethnic artists.

After performing excerpts from "Carmen" and "Romeo and Juliet," the Italian dancers joined the lively swirl of Xinjiang folk dance.

"Absolutely amazing," exulted Anastasia Zappa, a member of the ballet troupe, after joining the impromptu performance with Xinjiang dancers. "I'd love to learn Xinjiang's dances and share our passion with Chinese audiences."

"The people here are so enthusiastic. I am completely infected by the enthusiasm of their dances," she added.

Agnese Omodei Sale, art director and choreographer of the "Carmen" troupe, recalled her thrilling visit to the Urumqi Peking Opera House, where she watched opera actors rehearsing.

"Immersing in diverse cultures here has been unforgettable. I love to return to Xinjiang to discover more of its people and stories," she said.

Actors from the Dance Troupe of Uzbekistan's National Grand Theatre "Tumor" have been regular participants in the Xinjiang dance festival.

"We had performed in Urumqi before, but this is our first time in Hotan in southern Xinjiang," said Sharipova Zilola Alimbaevna, deputy director of the theatre. "Dance has been our shared language as we exchanged ideas with local performers these days."

For the first time since its launch in 2008, the festival was held outside the regional capital, Urumqi, with its magic reaching well beyond the city's theatre stages.

Over the weekend, Karamay -- a well-known oil town in northern Xinjiang -- hosted a street dance show with multiple performances across commercial centers and parks, bringing together dozens of acclaimed local and international street dancers.

Meanwhile, Urumqi hosted a square dance competition that drew 24 teams from across the city's districts. Their performances celebrated everything from everyday workers' lives and harvest festivals to legendary heroes. Participants ranged from retirees and schoolchildren on summer break to people from all walks of life.

Dante Puleio, art director of New York's Limón Dance Company, expressed admiration for Xinjiang's rich culture and vibrant people, noting that he was deeply impressed by the unique qualities of the local dance performances.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Shi Zhongming, director of the Urumqi Cultural Center, said Xinjiang has witnessed a blend of its folk art with ballet, opera and modern dances by artists and dance enthusiasts from around the world.

"Through this event, Xinjiang has demonstrated its openness, confidence and inclusiveness in the cultural sphere," he added.