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Culture bridges continents
   CCTV.COM   2003-08-02 15:08:32   
    xcAfrica and China are physically far apart, but the two worlds came together on Friday night in a spectacular stage show organized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture. A team of Chinese performers took to the stage in Beijing to entertain diplomats from dozens of African embassies in China.

    The curtain opened to waves of deafening drum beats and a flurry of dancers going through some powerful moves.

    The show then shifted down a gear with a display of imperial fashion.

    There was also a medley of folk dances expressing physical subtlety and suppleness.

    A group of percussionists took time out to present their version of a tune that may have been more familiar to the audience - the famous Guinean melody called The Elephant. The presentation was special for another reason - all the instruments were made of bamboo and each one only reaches its full potential when played as part of a group.

    The performance is part of cultural exchanges to strengthen ties between China and African countries. Some of China's folk art companies have been invited to tour Africa next year, and an African Week is also being planned for next year's Meet In Beijing Art Festival.


Editor: Xiao Wei  CCTV.com


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