A JIAOZHOU yangge dance show was given at a closing ceremony for the Chinese Cultural Year in Italy on Jan. 14. It was the first time the folk dance has been performed overseas after it was designated a national cultural heritage item in 2006. Recommended by the Ministry of Culture, the Jiaozhou Yangge Art Troupe performed five traditional Jiaozhou yangge dances at the ceremony, for more than 10,000 audience members. A series of Chinese cultural events began in Italy last year, part of a broad effort to promote Chinese culture and folk art in foreign countries. Five art troupes were invited to perform at the closing ceremony and art parade. ?(Wang Yuanyuan, Wang Liyan) | 