Qatar- Wuhan Acrobatic Troupe displays unique skills at Katara

DOHA: Multi-award winning Wuhan Acrobatic Troupe from China displayed masterful skills in acrobatics as an ancient Chinese art form at a show on Monday night at Katara Drama Theatre.

The audience was left spellbound with the exceptional agility, balance and coordination of the troupe as they performed a dozen acts at the show, which officially kicked off at the 30th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar.

'Tonight, the Katara Cultural Village, full of Arabic cultural characteristics, ushers in an ancient art from China. Acrobatics in China has a long-standing history. As early as 2000 years ago, acrobatics were performed as an art form in the royal courts, said Chinese Ambassador Li Chen.

He added: 'With the passage of time, acrobatics has gradually become a unique genre in the Chinese national culture. Through generations of inheritance, development and innovation, acrobatics has become a precious cultural symbol of nation as well as a brilliant name card for contemporary China in the world.

Established 65 years ago, the troupe has become one of the most famous acrobatic troupes in China for its unique repertoires presented in dazzling and elegant style. At the show, they demonstrated varying feats from contortion, hand balancing and mono-cycling to mask change, juggling and balancing different objects.

As Qatar and China mark the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Li lauded the existing ties between the two countries. 'The friendship between China and Qatar has witnessed a long history, and the relationship between China and Qatar has been developing rapidly in the recent years. In 2014 bilateral relationship between our two countries was promoted to a strategic partnership, injecting new impetus into the future development China-Qatar relations, he said.

'Cultural exchanges are an important part of the strategic partnership, which also serves as a bridge of communication between the hearts of the peoples, he stressed.

He said the Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture witnessed more than a dozen cultural exchange events which included a spectacular show which also took place at Katara Drama Theatre, in addition to exhibitions, performances and cultural festivals, all of which were warmly received and actively participated in by the people of both countries.

Minister of State H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, ambassadors and heads of missions were among those who attended the show.

While praising the continuous development of cultural relations between the countries, Dr Al Sulaiti said the show was among the events which offer a valuable opportunity to introduce the culture and heritage of China and to enhance the cultural development of the two countries.

Li thanked Katara for the support and hospitality accorded to the troupe to make the show a success. He also greeted in advance Chinese nationals living in Qatar for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year and extended best wishes of good luck and fortune to Qataris and residents.

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