"Shangri-La", the word coined by the English author James Hilton
in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon, has long been used in the English
language as a synonym for utopia.
Shangri-La, a grand song
and dance performance presented by a folk dance troupe from Diqing
Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunan Province, shows off the
culture, religion and history of the Tibetan people.
The fictitious paradise, characterized by towering snow-capped
mountains, lush forests, vast gorges and idyllic lakes, became a
reality with Shangri-La, a grand song and dance performance in a
Tibetan style, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on
Wednesday evening.
The show was presented by a folk dance troupe from Diqing
Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Around 60 dancers and singers took
part in the performance. Through classical dance, traditional folk
songs and music, the performances, in five parts, showed off the
culture, religion and history of the Tibetan people.
"We were intoxicated by the beautiful scenery of the lakes and
mountains during the performance," said one of the audience
members, surnamed Zhang.
?
As if the fetching dances, clear and characteristic singing of the
performers and powerful drum beats were not enough, ghee tea and
qingke spirits (made from highland barley) were brought to the
table by the graceful performers.
According to Gao Du, the show's executive director, Diqing, in
Tibetan, means "the place of good luck and happiness".
The performance celebrates the 50th anniversary of Diqing
Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in Southwest China's Yunnan
Province.
"The idea of the performance is to display the harmony and
development of Diqing since its establishment," Gao said.
Surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, Diqing in
southwestern China is one of the most well-known tourist sites in
the country. More commonly known as Shangri-La, Diqing is paradise
to many Chinese, as well as foreigners. There are 26 different
ethnic groups in the region, including Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi, Han and
Bai people.
"In Shangri-La, people find the spiritual garden they were
looking for," Gao said.
The program intends to bring every day scenes of life to the
stage.
"The people of Shangri-La are proud to inhabit this paradise of
the imagination. Diqing people are especially proud, because Diqing
is the home of Shangri-La," Gao said.
Since debuting in 2004, the Shangri-La show has toured the
world. "Many foreigners come to watch the show. They say it is
novel and unique. Investors, too, are interested in introducing the
show to overseas markets."
Shangri-La will return to Beijing's stage and tour China's other
cities next year during the Olympic Games.
(China Daily December 29, 2007)
