China's Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe performs in South Africa

From the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

From 29 April to 1 May 2011, the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe brilliantly presented their performance in South Africa. The show, aptly called My Dream, featured a cast of 35 talented performers, with varying degrees of visual, hearing or physical disabilities, dramatically illustrated the creative potential that lies at the heart of every person, regardless of physical challenges imposed through disability.

The performers impacted with hearing impairments spoke their minds through graceful and colourful dances; while artists with visual impairments depicted their imaginary world with beautiful melodies and charmingly dance steps; whilst those with physical disabilities gave expression to their pursuit of life, with elegant postures and spirited melodies.

The China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe also performed a charity show in the afternoon of 1 May for the disabled South Africans. Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency, Zhong Jianhua, Dr. Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Director-General of the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, attended the performance together with representatives of the diplomatic missions in South Africa. The proceeds of that afternoon, a total of R50,000 were donated to the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities to upgrade the welfare of the Disabled South Africans.

The China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe was founded in 1987 in a mission to afford people living with disabilities a platform to express themselves in a special art. It brings forth new ideas independently that demonstrate the indomitability of the human spirit. My Dream has traveled to more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa and have been referred to as "Messengers of Beauty and Humanity" by the international community and as "A Special Art Star of Mankind and Image Ambassadors for 600 Million People with Disabilities in the World" by the Disabled People's International 6th World Assembly.

"My Dream goes beyond the boundaries of culture, nations and countries and brings joy and education to audiences", says Guo Xiaofei, Vice Director of Marketing Department for the Troupe.