Actresses from China's Guangxi Song and Dance Theater perform to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Algeria at the Opera of Algiers, in Algerian capital of Algiers, on Feb. 6, 2018. (Xinhua photo) (srb)
ALGIERS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Algerian audience enjoyed a two-hour breathtaking art show performed here on Tuesday by a Chinese troupe to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, as well as the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Algeria and China.
Despite rain and cold weather at night, the excited crowd, both the Algerians and Chinese community living in the capital Algiers, rushed to the Opera of Algeria, which was constructed and gifted by China in 2016, to catch a glimpse of the art show.
The highlight of the diversified performance by the Chinese Guangxi Song and Dance Theater was soprano singer Zhao Jiayi, who enthralled the rapt audience with her beautiful voice.
In an interview after the show, Zhao expressed her gratitude for the enthusiasm extended by the local people and their eagerness to know more about China.
"Algerians have greatly enjoyed the arts of music and traditional Chinese dance. They want to discover everything, to know everything," Zhao told Xinhua.
"We felt at home in this country and we would like to come back one day," she added.
The Chinese troupe also superbly performed an Algerian popular song "Sh'ilat Layani," to convey the message that Algeria and China share strong cultural relations on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The last dance was the most symbolic as the dancers wore various traditional outfits to display the idea that cultural diversity is one of the pillars of Chinese unity.
"I really enjoyed the show tonight," said Saida, a local woman in her 60s told Xinhua after the show.
"I like all the acts, especially when an Algerian song was sung. That was amazing and everybody was surprised," she added.
If the spectacle of dances, songs and acrobatics moved the Algerian older generation, the younger audience was not left behind.
"I like everything. But what I like the most were the acrobatics. It shows great mastery," said a young man in his 30s.
The local Chinese community also applauded the show.
"I'm very happy to attend this wonderful show. I remembered my home country China as I miss her so much," said Lin, a Chinese young woman who works and lives in Algiers.
"I hope more events like this will be organized in the future, as they could contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between China and Algeria," she added.