Ice artistry coming in July

A world-class figure skating show will cool China this summer when the fifth edition of "Artistry on Ice" tours in July.

Founded by Chinese Olympic and world champion couple Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo, the show opens on July 8 in Taipei before hitting Beijing (July 10), Shanghai (July 11) and Shenzhen (July 12).

The show originated after Shen and Zhao were married in 2010. This year's theme continues their "Love You, Love Me" storyline, featuring several of the world's top skaters.

The lineup includes reigning men's world champion, Javier Fernandez of Spain, five-time European women's champion Carolina Kostner of Italy, Sochi Olympic women's champion, Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, and the tandem of Meryl Davis and Charlie White, the world and Olympic ice dancing champions from the US.

Retired men's singles stars Johnny Weir of the US and Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland will also be featured in the extravaganza.

The Chinese contingent will be led by a group of young skaters, including 2012 Winter Youth Olympic women's bronze medalist, Li Zijun, 2012 world junior men's champion, Yan Han, and this year's World Championships pairs runners-up, Sui Wenjing and Han Cong.

Shen and Zhao, who have retired from performing, will serve as artistic directors of the show.

(China Daily 05/15/2015 page20)