The first China Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival opened in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Sunday evening.

The pageant has attracted more than 2,000 terpsichoreans, of which 220 are from abroad.

Group dance Inspiring Tianshan Mountain staged firstly on the opening ceremony.

China Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival aims to connect the Chinese folk dance with various dance styles in the world," Said Meng Xiaosi, vice minister of culture. " We hope that China Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival will be a party not only for international artists but also for the common people," Meng said.

Participants include Chinese and terpsichoreans from Russia, Egypt, Mexico, Greece, India and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The festival lasts 10 days. It will hold 45 performances in 10 theaters in Urumqi and Changji city.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2008)