Out come the Jula dancers—women with youthfulness and vigour, swaying gracefully to the sound of traditional Chinese rhythms, while tapping plates in their hands in a melodious unison. They are rehearsing for the Chinese Cultural Show that’s just days away from hitting the floor. Organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in association with China National Tourist Office, New Delhi, and India China Economic and Cultural Council, the event tries to strengthen the bilateral cultural cooperation between the two nations. While the political history between the two remains chequered, events like these hope to dissolve the status quo.
“It helps that India and China have an ‘eastern’ viewpoint, which is different than a ‘western’ viewpoint, and that’s why we can collaborate together based on common cultural beliefs. Shows such as these foster people-to-people contact, increasing mutual understanding” says Zhang Zhihong, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of China.
This is also the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the year of th
e Fire Rooster. To celebrate with their Indian counterparts, the programme brings you indigenous songs and dances.
Besides the Jula, you’ll see an acrobatic play called Diabolo-Diabolos that evolved from the Chinese yo-yo, which was standardised in the 12th century. “Chinese yo-yos have a longer axles with discs on either end, while the diabolo has a very short axle, and larger, round cups on either ends. Diabolos are made of different materials and come in different sizes and weights,” he says.
Then there is The Stomp Dance piece wherein a man is asked to lead the singing for one round of dancing. Like these, several acts form the body of the play. We hope the rooster crows out a good year for the two countries.
January 18, at Kamani Auditorium, 1 Copernicus Marg, 7 pm onwards. Entry is free.