Source: CCTV.com

01-16-2007 15:51

The CCTV Spring Festival Gala has been an integral part of New Year's celebrations for more than 20 years. With the whole nation watching, the gala can bring instant fame to performers and their act. Now the talent selection process is in its final round. And the traditional drum-dance from Dalian city is high on the list.

These 27 young dancers are busy in rehearsal. With an average age of 15, they're the sixth generation of performers in this unique style of dance. Zhang Yi, former head of Dalian Song and Dance Troupe, is the choreographer.

In the 1950s, he adapted and built upon the local waist-dance, done to rhythmic folk ballads. His repertoire was the grand prize winner at the 6th World Youth Festival.