Secrets behind the success of BRICS evening gala

Revising again and again for the perfect performance

The performance Listen to the Rain showcased a typical local art form known as "Yajiagu", performed by foot drums and bamboo clappers. This type of art features prominently in the local operas.

The dance section saw a performance of a typical wedding ceremony observed by the She ethnic group.

Many of the She people live in Fujian province, and their wedding ceremony is considered to be a lively celebration marking the beginning of new chapter in life.

According to Zhang Dongxin, executive director of the evening gala, the preparations of the gala can be dated back to the beginning of Chinese Lunar New Year. And the dancing and singing part have been revised for more than six times.

"A good performance requires close relationship between composing and dance rhythm. At first, we asked the composer and dancer to create their works on their own, then they had to discuss with each other again and again to find the balance. It was not a simple progress. They needed not just perfect time but inspiration and team work," Zhang said.

Promoting Fujian's Nanyin to the world

One spotlight of the gala was Nanyin. Nanyin, which has a history of some 1,000 years, is one of the oldest forms of Chinese music preserved in its original state. It was listed in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, bringing it international attention.

It is central to the culture of the people of Minnan (the southern part of Fujian province) as well as the Minnan diaspora overseas. "Nanyin was one of the surprises as the ancient artist form came to the world stage for the first time," said Guan Xia, musical director of the evening gala.

"When we prepared the gala, we wanted to reach as many audiences as possible. As we all know, people from different countries have a different taste in art, so the gala should showcase profound Chinese culture and at the same time reflect the globalized features," Guan added.

"The aim of holding such a gala should be international influences, Chinese characteristics, BRICS spirit and Minnan culture. Therefore, we wanted to use the sea element to promote Chinese traditional culture," said Chen Yan, dance director of the evening gala.