Xinjiang Dance Festival dates announced

The third Xinjiang International Dance Festival will take place July 20 to Aug 5, the organizing committee said on May 8.

"This year, we want as many people participating in the festival as possible and enjoying top-class performances, so the government has provided financial subsidies to make sure the ticket prices are low and affordable," said Xu Ruijun, deputy director of the Xinjiang Culture Bureau, during a news conference in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The government will cover on average 200 yuan ($32.50) to 300 yuan of the cost of each ticket. For example, the average retail price of Sleeping Beauty, performed by a top Russian ballet group, is 190 yuan, 300 yuan less than it should be, he said.

Twelve dance organizations from abroad and nine domestic groups will perform at the festival. Audiences can enjoy ballet modern dance as well as Xinjiang's traditional music and dance.

This year's festival will expand to two other cities besides Urumqi in Xinjiang so more people can attend.