Captivated audiences in modern Beijing city have been absorbed in the resounding music and solemn dances watching the ongoing Second National Joint Art Performance by Ethnic Minority Groups.

"It is so beautiful, idyllic and elegant," said Liang Huihong, after watching opera Dadase performed by the Li nationality from south China's Hainan Island.

Starting from last Saturday, singers, dancers and other performers representing China's 56 ethnic minority groups have been staging unique performances in the country's capital.

A grand Tibetan ethnic dance drama named Qomolangma caused a sensation Monday, showing the great vitality of Tibetan ethnic art.

The dance drama reveals how the Tibetans have created an outstanding civilization and made remarkable historical progress in an extremely tough environment.

Degyi Medog, head of the delegation from the Tibet Autonomous Region to the joint art show, said the drama has been staged more than 100 times since it made its debut in 1999 and it has become highly renowned nationwide.

"It is very good that ethnic people can present their wonderful art in the capital of the nation. I am also very proud of it," said Ning Dajiang, a teacher at a Beijing-based school. Ning also encouraged about ten French students who are studying Chinese at the school to watch the performance.

Nekesser Wassilor, a 20-year-old French girl, was so interested in the Tibetan music and dress that she put Tibet into her future travel list.

The singing and dancing performances have become an indispensable component of the tour to Tibet and many hotels there have set up special performance halls for overseas tourists, said Degyi Medog.

The performances indicate that the art level of ethnic groups has grown beyond what outside people estimate and the art can fully display their culture in a more dynamic and diverse way, said Fan Xiaozhou, a student from the conservatory.

(People’s Daily 09/20/2001)