Feature: Houston hosts cultural show to celebrate China's 66th birthday

From traditional dances in splendid costume to Beijing opera renditions imbued with mythological charms to unique rap-style storytelling to the beat of bamboo clappers, residents from southern U.S. city of Houston enjoyed a night feast of music, movement and colors with a distinct Chinese flavor.

Featuring more than 30 artists from China in over a dozen captivating performances to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the two-hour show on Tuesday night drew a 1,000-strong audience. Members of the Chinese-American community and local dignitaries packed a theater at Stafford Center, a performing arts and convention venue in the satellite city of Stafford in the Greater Houston area.

For local Chinese-Americans, it was also an occasion to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional celebration of the moon, harvest and family reunion for those of Asian descent.

"This is what we call double happiness,"said Jing Lu, chairman of the show's organizing committee and a Houstonian. "It's exciting to see so many families with their kids coming out to celebrate their heritage."

For none-Chinese viewers, the show is an exposure to the splendor of the Chinese culture and makes them appreciate the presence of the Chinese community in Houston and its contribution to the vibrancy of the city.

In a letter to wish the success of the show, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott noted that many people of Chinese descent call Texas home and have been enriching the state's cultural landscape.

"As you gather to celebrate I thank you for your many contributions to our state, and I encourage all Texans to embrace our diversity," Abbott wrote.

Sponsored by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of China, the troupe comprises China's top performing artists in traditional music, dance, folk arts, acrobatics and martial art. In the show dubbed Embrace China, they tried to present the unique art forms and cultural tradition of Shandong Province in eastern China.

It was also an effort of the Chinese government to bring cultural nourishment for the Chinese diaspora seeking continued connection to the cultural root of its ancestral land, said members of several local Chinese-American associations that helped organize the event.

U.S. Rep. Al Green and Houston Mayor Annise Parker are among the officials who believe such cultural events help cultivate understanding between China and the United States as both nations work to deepen their relations in areas including culture and trade. Parker called the Chinese-American groups' efforts in helping bring the performance to Houston an illustration of their "dedication to cultural enrichment of our community."

Li Qiangmin, consul general of the Consulate General of People's Republic of China in Houston, hailed the significance of overseas Chinese's link to their roots.

"Without a strong and prosperous China, the country of their ancestry, they cannot command their deserved respect and dignity as they seek betterment in life and career," Li said. "On the eve of China's National Day, I'm heartened to see the overseas Chinese community's enthusiasm in strengthening their connection to their Chinese root." Enditem