CLOAKED in mystery and shrouded by clouds in the Himalayan mountains, Tibet has been isolated from the rest of the world for centuries.
For years it has been cut off from the tourist boom sweeping other parts of China. Last year, however, it was announced that Tibet would undergo an ''all-round opening up to the outside world'', in the hope that not only travellers would bring much-needed foreign currency, but that Tibetan culture could receive the attention it deserved.
Helping in this quest is the Hongkong Arts Festival, which this year is bringing in the 168-member Tibetan Song and Dance Troupe.
The troupe specialises in the songs and dances of Tibet's people, from native Tibetans to Hans, Muslims and the nomadic Drokpa people.
Its repertoire includes both contemporary and traditional works in the religious, court and folk genres.
Essentially, the troupe has taken on the task of perpetuating, revitalising, recording and developing Tibet's music and dance.