To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, the 11th “Joy Dancing Beijing” Culture and Art Exchange Week of International Youth opened in Beijing’s Future Theater on the afternoon of August 8. This event is co-hosted by the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People, the BPAFFC, the Beijing Performing Arts and Entertainment Association, and the “Charming Schools” organizing committee. Themed “Let the Light of Peace Shine Forth,” it welcomes the participation of distinguished youth art groups from Cameroon, Italy, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Spain, and Thailand, plus 18 groups from China. Chinese and foreign youths are gathered in Beijing to enjoy a memorable journey of arts.
Ms. Wang Yanxia, Vice President and Senior Councilor of the BPAFFC, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. She said that this year’s Culture and Art Exchange Week of International Youth brings together young people from around the world to advocate for peace and promote cultural exchanges through song and dance, and it is a concrete action to uphold peace and a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. She hoped that young friends at home and abroad could take the opportunity to showcase their artistic skills, experience diverse cultures, make more friends, and leave with cherished memories of their time in Beijing.
Mr. Joan Manuel Miguel Leon, Mayor of Liria of Spain, delivered a speech on behalf of the international team, saying that he was much honored to lead the Spanish youth team to Beijing. Through dance and song, the young people build a bridge for peace, opening their hearts and connecting with one another. He likened their performances to beautiful harmonies of human civilization, which demonstrate the power of friendship.
At the opening ceremony, distinguished guests from the BPAFFC, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People, and the China Cares for the Next Generation Working Committee presented flags to the international team.
The performances were divided into three parts: “Let the Light of Peace Shine Forth,” “One World, Shared Love,” and “Long Live Friendship.” Twelve distinctive programs like dances, songs, and poetry recitations were performed, calling on youths around the world to help build a harmonious world of lasting peace and prosperity. At the invitation of the BPAFFC, young performers of children’s musical theater Zadumka performed the Russian folk dance ensemble Uzoroche, and the Spanish youth orchestra ESMAR performed El amor brujo, a ballet by Manuel de Falla.
On August 7, Wang Yanxia met with the delegation of children’s musical theater Zadumka, who came to Beijing to participate in the “Joy Dancing Beijing” Culture and Art Exchange Week of International Youth. The two sides exchanged views on how to deepen youth exchanges between China and Russia, and agreed to strengthen youth art exchanges within the framework of the China-Russia Years of Culture, help build the China-Russia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership on a non-governmental level, and make greater contributions to enhancing people-to-people bond between China and Russia.
