Xinjiang Int´l Folk Dance Festival ends

More than two thousand dancers from around the world have wrapped up performances at the first, Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival.

It was in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It's a fascinating place with more that 40 ethnic groups calling the place "home." That diversity endows a rich tradition of folk music and dance. The local culture is colourful. The festival was intended as a conversation, between Chinese folk dances and international folk dances. The festival ended Wednesday.

At the closing ceremony, awards were presented by local government officials. Among two thousand participating artists, over two hundred come from abroad. There were Russians, Egyptians, Mexicans, Greeks, Indians and Koreans.

The 11 day festival, brought 45 performances at 10 theaters in Urumqi and Changji city. There was an exhibition of more than 200 artifacts, reflecting the region's dedication to protecting its cultural heritage. An art forum was held, providing a chance for exchanges about dance traditions and modern development of folk dance.

The festival's ten member jury panel, led by Chinese dance theoretician Jia Zuoguang, had high praise for the performances. Panelists issued a joint statement saying the festival had met all expectations.

All the dancers took part in the finale. The presentation, in four chapters saw the integration of folk dances from home and abroad.