Dancers from the Shanghai Dance Theatre perform The Eternal Wave, a successful show staged recently in the city. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Usually, when we perform on the stage, we just do it for the entertainment value. We want to be enthusiastic, excite the audience and make them feel happy. This time around, I must portray sadness as my character loses his life and leaves behind the woman he loves," he says.

Dawn of Shanghai was among the productions showcased at the performing arts fair from Oct 17 to 22. The fair is an annual fixture at the CSIAF, where theaters, art festivals and live entertainment professionals from all over the world come to shop for new productions.

"Many theaters and institutions approached us at the fair, inviting Dawn of Shanghai to perform," says Wang Jun, a spokesperson for the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

"I can't disclose any deals yet before they are finalized, but we are currently planning the performance schedules for Shanghai next year, such as on the memorial day of Shanghai's liberation, May 27, and National Day."