By Raymond Zhou

The third edition of "Colorful Guizhou" features ethnic women in their traditional costumes but more stylized than ever. Photos by Ouyang Changpei

Last week I took a stab at the Zhang Yimou-directed opening ceremony of the coming Beijing Olympics by speculating on its possible aesthetics - visual symbols and color schemes. Since my article came out in China Daily, I've repeated my argument to an ESPN reporter. But before I can indulge in a bout of self-congratulation, a New York Times interview has basically negated my assumption.

In an article on Sunday about Shen Wei, choreographer for the ceremony, everything points to a new direction: abstract modern style.

"For the Olympics I'm trying to push things, make things more abstract, more international, to make sure things aren't too Chinese, not too many dragons or red lanterns or ribbon dances. Maybe it's their tradition, but we need to grow, and China is not that way anymore," Shen is quoted as saying.

Hmm Interesting! So, they're going for abstract forms of dragons and lanterns and pandas and the Great Wall. This description reminds me of a gala show in Guizhou.

Thousand Handed Bodhisattiva, a popular performance choreographed by Zhang Jigang, a principal member of the planning team for Beijing Olympic opening ceremony. Ma Hailin

Two years ago, I caught a singing and dancing show at Guizhou that presented the mountainous province's multiple ethnic cultures in their full splendor.

It was to Guizhou what the Olympic ceremony will be to China. The stage production featured authentic performances, a delight to the senses but quite forgettable.

A month ago I made my second trip to Guizhou. The third edition of "Colorful Guizhou" happened to open on the last day I was there.

I could easily tell that a modern dance choreographer had a hand in it. It was vaguely Guizhou, but nobody from the villages would be able to recognize it as something they would perform in the village square. Honestly, I liked it. It had a special quality of singularity and haunting beauty.

But when I asked around for a second opinion, almost everyone hated it, and they grew up watching local entertainment.

If the Olympic gala were to be staged for an international panel of artists, I have no doubt going abstract would be the best choice.