Spring Festival Gala -- new start to new year

cctv.com 01-20-2004 09:27

Perhaps no-one has it as tough over the Spring Festival as the "chef" of the four-hour gala feast hosted every year by CCTV to celebrate this special time.

The director of the event is faced with a great challenge in trying to please the masses. The last rehearsal for the spectacular event was held on Monday, when the whole crew was busy adding the finishing touches, and their aim is to bring something fresh to this year's program.

The performers are now at their busiest as all those days of preparation will soon come to a head when they appear on stage on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Young and old, upcoming stars or veteran performers, each and every one of those taking part cherishes this sought-after opportunity.

It is on this stage that performers have an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and bring joy to Chinese audience, and tonight is their last chance to rehearse. Whether they live up to expectations, only you can decide.

This year, the usual scenes of the Spring Festival Gala will be replaced by more spectacular creations. Many of the performances have never been seen before in this annual gala.

"The Spirit of the Dance" from Ireland will no doubt create another tap and salsa dance craze and brings a more exotic touch to this traditional Chinese event. Also for the very first time, a staple of the gala, cross talk, shows a new face with the so-called "cross talk drama," which features gorgeous costumes and dramatic stage effects, a departure from conventional cross talk. All these new moves help make the traditional gala fresh and exciting.

Director Yuan Dewang said, "We have been under a lot of pressure to produce something new, but in the end, the most important thing is to please the ordinary citizens that make up the audience and give them what they like. Short sketches and cross talk are enjoyed by people of all ages and different backgrounds, so we have highlighted them."

No matter what form the gala takes, in the end it's all about making this year's Spring Festival one to remember and wishing everyone the best for the coming new year.

Editor:Zhang  Source:CCTV.com