More than 1,200 young dancers from 21 countries and regions will converge on Beijing's Workers Stadium on Saturday and Tuesday, to participate in the annual festival organized by the International Natural Loving Association (INLA).

The 31 teams, comprising at least 20 members aged between 15 and 35, will compete for 17 awards including Best Movement, Best Harmony, Best Team Spirit, Best Music Arrangement, and Best Choreography.

The INLA was established in 2004 in Malaysia to create a platform for people from all walks of life, irrespective of race, religion, gender or socio-economic status, and take joint action to protect the earth. Its annual dance festival brings young people from all over the world to show their talent, make friends, share their culture and celebrate their common love and respect for earth. The final goal is to promote international awareness of the need to care for the natural world.

(China Daily August 6, 2009)