Big serving of Latin American fare

[Photo provided to China Daily]

One of the highlights of the gala will be the scissors dance, native to the Andes in Peru. It consists of individual performances to the rhythm of a violin and a harp. Listed as intangible cultural heritage in 2010 by UNESCO, the art form will make its debut in China during the gala.

According to Ignacio Damian Ccora, a scissors dancer known as Apu Citaq, the performance will see two dancers, including himself, performing individually and in tandem.

"My visit to China is an incredible opportunity to spread the art and it will boost understanding between the two ancient cultures," says the 37-year-old dancer, who was born in Huancavelica, a city in the Peruvian Andes. He has been practicing the art for 20 years.

He says that the dancer is seen as an individual, who establishes a relationship with wamamis, the spirits of the mountains, who give the dancers wisdom and strength to perform difficult stunts that are part of the repertoire.

The art has evolved over the year as the Andean people, including dancers and musicians, have been forced to move to urban areas due to poverty, violence and lack of opportunities in the rural areas.

Cross-cultural collaboration between Chinese and Latin America artists will also take place during the gala.