HUANGPU SHANGHAI

The opening of the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on July 20. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]

On July 23, when artists from the Elvis Sibeko Studios of South Africa landed at the Diwopu International Airport in Urumqi, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, they were welcomed by their counterparts from a dance troupe of the Xinjiang Art Theater with a flash mob.

"Every time when I see flash mobs performed by people in Xinjiang, which they are good at, I can feel the charm of the singing and dancing of Xinjiang," says Xing Shimiao, general director of the opening ceremony of the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival.

On the following two days, the visiting South African dancers gave two dance drama performances, and displayed their art and culture to the audiences during the festival.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Council Information Office and the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the festival brings together more than 1,000 artists at home and abroad who will give 60 performances in all through to Saturday, including ballet, folk dance, dance galas and dramas.

A place where there are many ethnic groups, Xinjiang is home to diverse cultures. Singing and dancing has been a key part of the communication and interactions among the various ethnic groups over time, says Ma Xuguo, deputy director of Xinjiang's department of culture and tourism.

"It's my first time in Xinjiang, and I am fascinated by the diverse ethnic cultures here. The city is so different from my hometown," says Nadezhda Makeeva, a dancer with the Russian song and dance ensemble Zorenka.

Dance drama Zhang Qian opens the festival. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]

She says she feels a little nervous about performing at this festival, as there are so many artists representing different countries, nonetheless she intends to participate wholeheartedly as she wants to show the culture of her hometown.

Zorenka has brought a song and dance special which consists of more than 20 programs with diverse forms at the festival. They include original and folk songs from different regions of Russia.

The Hong Kong Dance Company gave a dance drama titled Convergence, a performance combining classical Chinese dance and martial arts.

"The drama has no plot, just physical expression. Dancing is abstract, and people can give full play to their imagination when watching the performance," says Yang Yuntao, art director of the drama.

"We are devoted to the re-creation of traditional Chinese culture. We want to show the charm of it, and how under its influence we create something innovative with its own character," says Yang.

"We also want to communicate with our counterparts from other places at this international platform. Although we speak different languages, we share a passion for dance," he adds.

It's the Hong Kong group's first time to perform in Xinjiang. Yang says he was aware beforehand that Xinjiang was known for its singing and dancing, but he has still been greatly moved by the artistic atmosphere here, since local people are enthusiastic about such things and like to talk about them.

Xinjiang actress Mayira Amat was a performer in Zhang Qian, the festival's opener, which tells the story of Zhang, the Chinese envoy who made his journey to Xiyu (western regions), from what is now Xi'an, Shaanxi province. This journey opened the door to the friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asia in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24).

She has participated in the festival five times since it was launched in 2008.

"I have been developing my craft with the festival," she says.

"Every time I have tried performing different types of dances, it is always a challenge for me."

Russian artists at the opening ceremony. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]