BEIJING, July 29 -- The Olympic flame and the sticky summer weather aren't the only things heating up Beijing this season. Three musical shows coming soon to the Great Hall of the People promise to add yet more sizzle to the summer.

    The first is Gala Africa, which will be staged tonight. More than 10 African musical troupes will highlight the continent's rich and rhythmic artistic heritage.

    Li Yayuan, the choreographer of the China Oriental Song and Dance Ensemble, is the show's designer. An expert on African art, Li's unique choreography draws inspiration from the religious rituals of Cameroon, Senegal and Tanzania, as well as the traditional dancing and singing styles of Mauritius, Rwanda and Kenya. The lavish set draws upon African sculptural and painting styles.

    Modern dances - Black is Beautiful and On the Other Side of the Cloud - will be performed by the National Dance Company of Cameroon. Ballet National du Senegal will perform traditional music and dance from West Africa. Other performers include a group called The Drum Caf, which was started in 1996 and has since established itself as the authority on traditional African percussion music.

    Another heat wave about to hit the city is Night of Latin America, which will come to the Great Hall of the People on Aug. 1 and 2.

    Six dance companies from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Cuba will perform the passionate moves of popular Latin American dances, including tango and samba.

    Argentine tango, which evokes power and grace, has been thrilling dancers and audiences for more than 100 years. The Argentine Tango Passion Dance Company will showcase the finest past and present traditions of tango culture. Dancers will also update traditional steps with the addition of modern electronic music.

    Another highlight will be the performance of traditional Andean music, a colorful fusion of South American flutes, Andean string instruments and diverse percussion styles.

    Last but not least, Cuban music has its principal roots in Spain and West Africa, but over time has absorbed musical influences from many different countries. Cuban music has likewise been immensely influential in other countries, contributing not only to the development of jazz and salsa, but also to Argentina tango, Ghanaian high-life, West African Afrobeat, and Spanish Nuevo flamenco.

    At the end of the summer, audiences can look forward to Night of Asia, presented at Beizhan Theater on Sept 6.

    The show will feature more than 100 pop stars from across Asia - including Sa Dingding from China, Rain from South Korea, Shinji Tanimura from Japan, and Dydia from Thailand. The concert venue will be decorated with artwork from Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. Multimedia performances will also enhance this stunning three-dimensional portrait of modern Asia.

    (Source: China Daily)