Ivorian dancers perform at a dance gala to celebrate the 35th anniversary of China-Cote d'Ivoire relations in Beijing on July 1, 2018. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

The fast, ever-changing footwork of dancers from the Sotheca art troupe in Cote d'Ivoire captivated audience members in Beijing on Sunday night. The lightning-quick moves were part of a 60-minute program at the National Theater of China Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble, where Chinese and Ivorian dancers took center stage to show the two countries' diverse dancing cultures.

The dance gala is one of many cultural activities to celebrate the 35th anniversary of China-Cote d'Ivoire relations, sponsored by the Chinese Culture and Tourism Ministry, Cote d'Ivoire's Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, and the Ivorian embassy in China. It's organized by China Arts and Entertainment Group.

Three Ivorian dance pieces were featured. La danse de la chasse (The Hunting Dance) showed the joy of hunters after shooting fierce animals; Le Saapro was set in a mysterious scene where Ivorian people danced with cautious steps and watchful moves in order to drive out evils, and Le Kotou-Demde depicted vigorous youth, impressing the audience with fast footwork and dance battles.

The Chinese portion spotlighted traditional dances of the Mongolian, Hani and Daur ethnic groups, performed by the China Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble.