Diverse international folk ensembles to grace the inaugural SZ folk art season

Longgang District is set to be the vibrant host of the first-ever Shenzhen International Folk Arts Season, taking place from Jan. 1 to 5. Amidst this five-day extravaganza, 11 unique performances and seven lively parades will unfold at various venues across the district.

A poster of the Shenzhen International Folk Art Season. File photos

The festival, a collaborative effort by the China Folk Culture Association, the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts China committee (CIOFF China), the Shenzhen Public Culture Promotion Association, Shenzhen bureau of culture, media, tourism, and sports, and the Longgang District People's Government, promises to be a cultural kaleidoscope.

Designed to showcase traditional Chinese heritage, foster global cultural exchanges, and amplify Shenzhen's narratives on a diverse platform, the festival will highlight artists from around the world to present a tapestry of folklore and legends from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Featuring seven international and six Chinese art groups, including four from the Chinese mainland and two from Hong Kong and Macao, the festival will have its main stage set at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center, complemented by three sites in Longgang: Longgang Vanke Plaza, Longcheng Creativity Community, and Wanda Plaza Shenzhen.

Art groups participate in the first-ever Shenzhen International Folk Art Festival.

Among the international performers is the Sungshin Women's University Sung Jaehyung Dance Company hailing from Seoul, South Korea, led by Prof. Sung Jae-hyung, a notable figure in Korean dance revival. The ensemble has graced international art festivals in countries such as China, Turkey, Bulgaria, Portugal, Italy, and France.

Another featured team is the "Adis" vocal and choreographic ensemble from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, recognized for their captivating traditional Kyrgyz performances across Russia, Hungary, India, and other nations.

The Teranga Dance Group from Dakar, Senegal, renowned for their expertise in African traditional dances, modern and hip-hop styles, and Indian dance forms, will make its debut in international cultural exchanges at the Longgang event.

The CICEP Thailand Buriram Folk Dance Group from Buriram Province, Thailand, dedicated to preserving Thai cultural richness through captivating dance displays, is also joining the cultural celebration.

Representing Indian cultural heritage is the Rhythms International Folk Art Club from Patiala, Punjab, established in 2007, aspiring to illuminate the vibrant traditions of India at the upcoming Longgang festival.

Adding to the cultural tapestry, the Tydif Art Center Surabaya from Surabaya, Indonesia, will showcase traditional Indonesian dances, folk performances, and modern interpretations, aiming to share Indonesia's cultural legacy with audiences at the Longgang festivity.