Cheerleading with Chinese characteristics is bound to steal some of the spotlight from athletes during the Beijing Olympics.
Chen Xiao, one of eight cheerleaders who will help stage Olympic basketball events at Wukesong Indoor Stadium, said she is looking forward to wearing a Chinese qipao (dress) and waving a kongfu fan during time outs.
"Our dance incorporates many Chinese elements, not only the tools that we use, but also the moves, many of which are inspired by Chinese martial arts," said 24-year-old Chen, who has been gleaning tips from American cheerleaders currently visiting Beijing.
Carrie Binette and her teammates from a professional American National Football League cheerleading outfit, were invited to Beijing to instruct their Chinese counterparts.
"Their dance is amazing - it is unique to use fans and nunchuks instead of the pompom that we Americans usually use," said the New England Patriots dancer.
More than 600 cheerleaders will wow the crowds in between the sporting action at various Olympic venues. They were either selected from a nationwide cheerleading competition or came via professional art institutes and cheerleading clubs in Beijing.
The cheerleaders are undergoing a month-long training program and dress rehearsal at a resort in Beijing's nearby Hebei province, which will finish on July 27.
Many renowned Chinese choreographers and directors, as well as foreign professional cheerleading squads, were invited to offer instructions on dances, acrobatics, cheerleading and martial arts.
Stereotypes of 20-something Chinese girls being overly reserved in public are being shattered by the cheerleaders' openness to new ideas.
"These girls stunned me as they are not shy as I originally thought. Their dance is full of passion and very energetic," Binette said.
