With smile on her face, Tai Lihua, a famous disabled Chinese artist, sat elegantly in the lobby of a Tel Aviv hotel, which is near the Mediterranean Sea.

"It is my first trip to Israel and I am glad to have the opportunity to perform here," Tai, the president and art director of China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, told Xinhua through a translator on Wednesday evening, using sign language due to her deafness.

"We are all looking forward to the performances, and I hope we can present Israeli people with marvelous performances," said the pony-tailed pretty artist.

On Saturday and Sunday, "My Dream" variety show will be staged by the art troupe at Tel Aviv Opera House, a performance hall located in the heart of the youthful and vibrant city.

For years, these professional disabled performers have traveled around the world to show their unique talents and their love and passion for art and culture.

"My Dream" is a part of a series of activities held during the "Experience China in Israel" event, which began on Monday and will conclude at the end of this month.

In addition to the variety show, the event includes performance by Beijing Modern Dance Company, photo exhibitions and a film week. A symposium on China, Israel and the world economy will also be held during the cultural month.

Jointly held by the State Council Information Office of China and Israeli Foreign Ministry, the event is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 17th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel.

"There are many kinds of dreams. For us, the disabled, the dream is to interpret the beauty of the world on the stage, using our own special language," said Tai.

"Our performance will bring Chinese culture to Israel, and Israeli people will enjoy and get a better understanding of Chinese culture," she said, noting that "My Dream" will enhance the friendship between Chinese people and Israeli people and provide an opportunity for people to exchange cultural values.

Asked whether the upcoming variety show will be a huge success, Tai beamed, choosing not to answer the question directly.

"We have staged many performances around the world, and they are well-received," she said, suggesting her confidence in the success of the upcoming show.

Jin Yuanhui, a well-known Chinese pianist and a member of China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, told Xinhua that the troupe has made a lot of preparation for the performance in Israel and is ready to stage an impressive show.

"This is my first trip to Israel. The country is a bit mysterious to me," said the young blind artist, adding that "People here are warm to us and I feel pretty good."

"Music is both my teacher and my loyal friend. I dream of being a little bird, flying in the sky of music," said short-haired Jin emotionally. "This time, the little bird, along with its music, flies to Israel."

He also expressed hope that during the short trip he can further himself by absorbing some local music elements.

Meanwhile, Li Lin, vice president of the art troupe, told Xinhua that at the request of the Israeli side, the troupe will give three performances instead of the originally planned two shows.

The increase seems to indicate the show's popularity among Israelis, and heralds the success of the upcoming performance.

Amnon Damgi, a renowned Israeli dancer, expressed his excitement about the troupe's trip to Israel.

"Tai is my old friend. I am surprised and excited to meet her in Israel," the deaf artist, with the help of his wife, told Xinhua, recalling that he and Tai met for the first time several years ago in the United States when attending a cultural event.

"She is a very special and unique artist. I cannot wait to see her performance," said Damgi.

In his opinion, Israeli culture is very different from that of China, and cultural exchange is thus of great importance.

"Maybe one day I can perform in China," said Damgi.

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