Source: CCTV.com

05-07-2009 09:00

The well-known "Les Ballets Africans de Guinea" has brought passion and rhythm to the Meet In Beijing Arts Festival in China. Two performances this week at the PLA Theatre, also mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between China and Guinea.

It's an intricate mix of rhythm and boundless energy. The performers looked as if they were dancing on hot coals, so quickly did their feet move, arms gesturing outward and torsos unbending. The musicians take the stage, performing on instruments that look like artifacts from a folk art museum.

The well-known "Les Ballets Africans de Guinea" has brought passion and rhythm to the Meet In Beijing Arts Festival in China.

Art director Bangoura Hamidou said, "All the dances you see are from people in Guinea. It's all about the people. It's the original folk culture of Guinea. So there is no barrier for audiences anywhere to understand. It's unique, but also international. "

Les Ballets Africans was formed in Paris in 1952 by distinguished Guinea choreographer Keita Fodeba. Since Guinea's independence in 1958, the troupe has become the country's national ensemble.

The troupe has been recognized and encouraged as roving ambassadors, carrying with them on their travels the pride and aspirations of their people. Whether the are performing in Sydney, Rio, Berlin, Tokyo, Moscow or Los Angeles, their performances have always received a acclaim, together with an open invitation to return.

The troupe has been popular in China. It made its Chinese debut in 2004 and is back again with another nationwide tour. After Shanghai and Beijing, Les Ballets Africans de Guinea will also hit the stages of the International Country Music Week in southern Zhangjiajie and the second national intangible cultural heritage festival in the southwestern city of Chengdu.

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Editor:Zhao Yanchen