Performers from the Shandong Acrobatic Troupe pose for a group photo at the world circus festival "Idol-2018" in Moscow, Russia. [Photo/sdwht.gov.cn]

Group Jugglers with Hats, a performance presented by the Shandong Acrobatic Troupe, won two awards – "silver Idol prize from professionals" and "silver auditorium prize from spectators" at the world circus festival "Idol-2018" which took place in Moscow, Russia from Sept 6 to 9.

The World Festival of Circus Art "Idol" was launched in 2013 and has since established itself as one of the most prestigious circus contests in the world.

This year's event attracted top circus and acrobatics performers from over 20 countries and regions, including China, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Peru and Argentina.

The organizers received about 400 submissions from around the world, with 24 entering the final round.

At the final examination performance, Shandong acrobats created a performance combining audio and visual elements and featuring Michael-Jackson-style dances. Group Jugglers with Hats also blended Chinese culture with western elements. Based on the straw hat, it showcased China's traditional acrobatics arts in an innovative way.

Russia's State TV praised the performance as an integration of Chinese culture and modern art and said that it had pleasantly surprised audiences.

The winning of the awards, which has boosted cultural exchanges between China and Russia, is timely as it comes at a time when the country has called for greater cooperation with Russia, amidst efforts to strengthen ties with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Shandong Acrobatic Troupe creates a performance combining audio and visual elements and featuring Michael-Jackson-style dances. [Photo/Xinhua] 

The Shandong Acrobatic Troupe stages the dazzling show of straws and acrobatics at the world circus festival "Idol-2018" in Moscow, Russia. [Photo/people.com.cn]

The prize-awarding ceremony for the world circus festival "Idol-2018", which took place in Moscow, Russia from Sept 6 to 9. [Photo/people.com.cn]