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Zhejiang acrobatics warmly welcomed at SCO summit

(ezhejiang.gov.cn) Updated : 2017-06-12

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Man performers form a human pyramid in the acrobatics show at the evening gala of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 8. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A Zhejiang acrobatics troupe performed at the evening gala of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, on June 8.

The only Chinese performance in the show, the acrobatics group was selected by China's Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs from quite a few candidates to represent the country on the world stage.

The performance was based on the famous legend Lady White Snake, which is traditionally set at West Lake in Hangzhou. The acrobats' athletic moves and skillful tricks with oil paper umbrellas impressed the audience with the elegance and strength of Chinese art.

Zhejiang Folk Art and Acrobatics General Troupe, after being selected to perform at the gala in May, devoted itself to enriching the performance by integrating elements from other plays and even other performing arts.

The six-minute show was the fruit of the hours of practice the performers put in during the two weeks leading up to the gala. Changes were made to the performance every day during rehearsals, which the participants had to get used to quickly. The Ministry of Culture checked videos of the rehearsals each evening to monitor the progress.

Five days before the gala, the performers started to rehearse on a stage identical to the one they would grace in Astana, to ensure they were perfectly prepared for the big day.

The first rehearsal with troupes from other SCO member countries proved a hit. The acrobatics performance aroused warm cheers and applause from international artists.

Its appearance at the gala stunned the audience. The SCO gala's general director kept exclaiming "bravo" as the acrobats pulled off every more difficult and complex moves.

The year 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the Zhejiang Folk Art and Acrobatics General Troupe. This year also witnessed its greatest achievements under the international spotlight.

At the beginning of the year, the troupe won the silver medal at the World Festival of the Circus of Tomorrow in France.

Over the past three months, it has represented China at international events twice. In the following months, the troupe will embark on a world tour, participating in competitions and festivals around the world.

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