After the show's acclaimed premiere at Beijing's Poly Theatre, Tian Junli, president of the ensemble, said it was the first step in reviving the once-renowned company.

It is now taking further steps. The newly produced variety show Blazing with all Hues to a new Rhythm to be staged for two weeks at the Chinese capital's Beizhan Theatre from Wednesday is expected to be another box-office hit.

The Oriental Song and Dance Ensemble was founded on January 13, 1962, under the auspices of the late Premier Zhou Enlai and Vice-Premier Chen Yi.

It has always been the mission of this ensemble to introduce traditional Chinese music and dance to the world and, at the same time, to present exotic performances to people at home.

During the past four decades, it has traveled across China and visited more than 70 countries and regions. Dozens of popular singers and dancers have grown up as part of the company.

However, since China began opening up to the outside world in the late 1970s, the art troupe has been challenged by more and more competitors.

“Originally, it was the leading troupe specializing in the performance of Asian, African and Latin American folk songs and dances,” said Tian.

“These shows were very popular among Chinese audiences because, at that time, people at home had fewer performances both in the theatres and on TV, let alone shows performed by foreigners,” he said. “As more and more foreign troupes come into the country and Chinese theatre-goers become much more informed, we have to make all-round improvements to win over audiences,” Tian said.

Under his direction, last year's Blue Romance -- featuring new technologies in lighting, stage design and sound -- improved the quality of the company's shows to meet audiences' modern tastes.

However, the company members did not remain satisfied with their success but have continued to work to rebuild the ensemble's reputation.

This year, the company has invested more than 7 million yuan (US$845,400) to produce the new show, which features lots of visual and audio effects.

Many song and dance numbers have been adapted from existing ones in an innovative way. Some newly choreographed dances have drawn inspiration from popular Chinese works of literature and legends such as A Dream of Red Mansions, Journey to the West and The Butterfly Lovers.

(China Daily January 13, 2003)