As anticipation of the Beijing Olympics grows, not just in Sao Paolo but all over the world - finishing touches are being added to the official opening ceremony. A Chinese born artist, now resident in the United States, has been working hard to showcase the best of China's contemporary arts on the global stage.
The intricate dances are accompanied by Chinese operatic singing, and elaborate costumes.
The Shen Wei Dance group are famous for their fusion of traditional and modern Chinese music and dance. The intricate dances are accompanied by Chinese operatic singing, and elaborate costumes.
The group's choreographer is working hard less than four months before the Opening day of the Olympics. He's refining some elements of the opening ceremony.
The intricate dances are accompanied by Chinese operatic singing, and elaborate costumes.
Shen Wei, a Choreographer, dancer, painter and designer, is part of the creative team behind the Olympic opening ceremony. He has been working in the United States since 1995.
Shen Wei said, "Really, really happy to be part of the team. Emotionally it feels like one of the biggest things in my life. I am really getting into the work, trying to import all my ideas. For so many years, I've worked at the international level, sharing information about what's going on. I've been looking for different approaches, things we should do to present our Chinese culture to people around the world, not just the Chinese people. "
The intricate dances are accompanied by Chinese operatic singing, and elaborate costumes.
But the performance is not only an opportunity to showcase Chinese culture. Parts of the dance feature contemporary and modern opera, as well as dances with both eastern and western influences.
Shen Wei said, "People have to use their senses. They have to use their eyes and nose and ears to appreciate your work. These can't be just for your own eastern culture or Chinese culture, or American culture, or western culture. You have to have all these elements together, to understand these backgrounds, and connect them so that all people can feel the connection."
The intricate dances are accompanied by Chinese operatic singing, and elaborate costumes.
Shen is the only US based choreographer on the creative team for the opening ceremonies. For now, the details of the Olympic choreography are secret. One thing is for sure, the show promises to be mix of traditional and cutting edge performances.
Rehearsals have already begun in Beijing, with a cast expected to reach 10,000.
The Beijing Olympics runs from August 8 to August 24.
(CCTV April 22, 2008)