The China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe returned to the mainland on Monday after completing 18 performances and receiving a warm welcome in Taiwan.

Artists from the China Disabled Art Troupe performed their new show, "My Dream", which includes episodes from The Butterfly Lovers as well as the One Thousand Hands Bodhisattva, from July 8 to 22 in the cities of Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung and Kaohsiung. More than 60,000 Taiwan locals came to enjoy the show.

The shows were well received on the island. Many people said they were deeply touched by the show and even brought to tears. A disabled spectator, named Wang Yuzhong, said "the dance "One Thousand Hands Bodhisattva" is very inspiring. It makes me think nothing is impossible."

The dance "One Thousand Hands Bodhisattva" was performed by dozens of deaf-mute girls with the help of a ground beat. The dance, which was first performed at CCTV's (China Central Television Station) 2005 Spring Festival gala, made the troupe a household name on the mainland.

The art troupe was invited to Taiwan by a Taiwan-based education fund. In view of their success, the troupe added 2 extra shows to the original schedule of 16 performances. Earlier this year, the troupe was invited to perform in the United States.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2006)