The Chinese Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe mesmerised an appreciative crowd on a breezy Wednesday night at the Celebration Centre with a performance characterised by grace and amazing showmanship. Dubbed "My Dream", the series is a reflection of the Orient, stories of love and companionship. The show brings together a variety of cultures together - from the elegant dances of the Latin world to Zimbabwe's very own melodies spiced up by Liu Tao's rendition of Alexio Kawara's "Shaina".

The 45-member team had the crowd frenzied in an emotional whirlwind as they preached the most common element of life, which is love that transcends the boundaries of colour, creed or nationality.

"Love is our common language.

"When your heart is full of love you will find it easy to reach out and give a helping hand," read the translation screen as a group of blind dancers showcased how the visually impaired feel the beauty of spring just as much as those with the ability to see do.

The choreography was unmatched.Their dance and music is a reflection of hope and an example of the bond they share.

"They live together and help each other in life and on stage. They even set up the stage together. They are not relatives but are dear to each as if they were related," said the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Xin Shunkang.

The Unesco Artists for Peace dazzled with probably their most popular act called the "Thousand Hand Bodhisattva" which depicts a woman with several limbs that inertly change and intertwine in the most rhythmic and co-ordinated manner.

Ambassador Xin said he was glad that Zimbabweans came in their numbers to support the troupe.

"The show was very successful as you might have seen for yourself and the crowd was very happy to see a Chinese man sing ‘Shaina' and as well as listening to the group that played the national anthem.

He said the troupe has been performing in different parts of Africa, namely Angola and Ethiopia and will be heading for Mozambique.

Ambassador Xin added that their visit was aimed at expressing their friendship, while giving Zimbabwe an insight into the Chinese culture. "Culture is a world language and everybody can understand the meaning of the dancing and singing even though you might have not understood the language but from the tone you could understand and feel the happiness," he said.

The show was attended by Government officials and the diplomatic community including Speaker of the House of Assembly Lovemore Moyo, Army Commander Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, Rugare Gumbo, Absolom Sikhosana, Deputy Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Lazarus Dokora and Education secretary Dr Stephen Mahere.

"The performance was brilliant and showed how dynamic the Chinese are in that they can go beyond performing their own dances but mix various cultures.

"This just goes to show what we can do with our school system in order to motivate our young boys and girls," said Mr Moyo.