********************************************************
This summer, Hong Kong will be filled with the Olympic spirit not only in sports, but also in the arts scene.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and produced by AGR Associati (Italy), "AEROS" is one of the programmes in the International Arts Carnival's new "Sporting Fantasia" series, in support of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this July.
Combining gymnastics, art and aesthetics, physical dance theatre "AEROS" opens the International Arts Carnival with a breathtaking performance of physical virtuosity.
All performers of the show are outstanding gymnasts from Romania, some of whom are world and European champions. Coupled with dazzling stage lighting, these amazingly agile performers will join forces with three world-renowned contemporary choreographers and the creators of percussion/theatre sensation "STOMP" to create a physical dance theatre show blending stunning athleticism, special effects and original music.
Described as "the collision of the aesthetic and the athletic", "AEROS" made its sensational debut in Italy in 2004 and has taken Europe, the United States and Australia by storm.
Founded in 1906, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation (RGF) is one of the oldest and most prestigious sports federations in the world. It was affiliated to the International Gymnastics Federation in 1907 and the European Union of Gymnastics in 1985. In 1994-1996, the RGF was awarded the National Prize for "The Best Sports Federation from Romania" by the Romanian Youth and Sports Ministry. In the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Romanian team took the gold and silver medals in Women's Gymnastics All-around and the gold medal in Women's Team Gymnastics, thus establishing its leading position in the gymnastics world.
Of the internationally recognised disciplines comprising the RGF, some are Olympic sports: Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Men's Artistic Gymnastics and Rhythmic Gymnastics. A relatively recent discipline is Sports Aerobics Gymnastics, which was first integrated in the International Gymnastics Federation in 1994. "AEROS" is made up of members from each of the disciplines.
"AEROS" will be performed at 7.30pm on July 11 and 12; and at 3pm on July 12 and 13 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre.
Tickets priced at $120, $180, $250 and $320 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Package discounts of up to 15% are available for full-price performing arts/film programmes of the festival.
Programme guides are available at URBTIX outlets and at the website, www.hkiac.gov.hk
For programme enquiries, please call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. Credit card telephone bookings can be made on 2111 5999 and telephone reservations on 2734 9009.
Ends/Friday, June 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:30
NNNN
