Xinjiang cultural shows enchant Egypt

Artists from China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region dance in Alexandria, Egypt on July 10.[Photo/Xinhua]

Performances strike a chord with excited crowds in Alexandria

The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, which represented China as the guest of honor at the 15th International Summer Festival held from July 10 to August 26 at Egypt's seaside historical city of Alexandria, thrilled viewers with its performances on Monday.

The shows by different ethnic groups from Xinjiang, with their colorful traditional outfits and music impressed the viewers at the Bibliotheca Alexandria, one of the largest venues for cultural and artistic activities in the Middle East.

"The shows were really beautiful. It is the first time that I am seeing such beautiful performances. We hope more such activities are held in Egypt," says Amal Ali, an employee in her early 50s.

The performances included Uygur, Tajik, Kirgiz, Kazak, Mongolian and Han group dances, in a style referred to as "DanSinging in the Air" for combining both dancing and singing, in addition to male and female solo singing.

Besides the group dancing and singing, the acrobatic performances were also appreciated.

Speaking about the performances, Ashraqat Hamdy, a junior college student at Alexandria University says: "I really enjoyed the shows. Such events bring the peoples of Egypt and China closer and will encourage Egyptians to start learning Chinese and make Chinese friends."