SHANGHAI

The world-famous Turkish dance group Fire of Anatolia started its eighth China tour Friday night with a well-received performance at Shanghai's Oriental Art Center.

The two-hour show -- featuring a synthesis of Turkish folk dance with ballet, modern dance and other dance disciplines -- earned a period of sustained applause from the Chinese audience.

The troupe is scheduled to perform five more performances in Shanghai before the show moves to Beijing's Mei Lan Fang Grand Theater on Dec. 25 for six nights, with its last performance scheduled for Dec. 30.

As one of the largest dance groups in the world, Fire of Anatolia boasts some 400 people, including dancers from Cuba, the United Kingdom, Russia and Georgia. 

The group has performed in 89 countries and 350 cities since it was established 15 years ago.