Each of China’s 55 ethnic minority groups, which accounts only 8% of China's populations, possesses its own vibrant and unique arts traditions. The China National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble is the only performing art troupe of the ethnic minorities at the national level. It was founded in September 1952 by the late Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. The Ensemble aims at preserving, promoting and developing the minority ethnic arts and culture, and deepening friendships with people across the world through cultural exchanges.

Based in Beijing, the ensemble started with members traveling to the remote and often mountainous or prairie areas in south, west and north China to look for the best of the ethnic minority dancers and musicians and collect their songs and dances to preserve the original flavor of traditional folk art while reflecting the lifestyle of minorities. The founders believed the ensemble could only develop when it had its roots in the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the ethnic minorities in China.

(Middle-Asia Kazak Female Group Dance, A Lovely Rose, DVD vol. 2)

The Ensemble has over 400 actors, actress and staff from 36 ethnic groups including Mongolian, Hui, Zhuang, Manchu, Tibetan, Yi, Korean, and Han. Over the past 50 years, the Ensemble has nurtured and gathered several generations of talented and resourceful singers, dancers, and performers as well as composers, songwriters, playwrights and directors. As early as in the 1950s, it had already among its ranks such nationally well-known artists as Wu Xiaobang, Jia Zhouguang and Hu Songhua. The ensemble has now famous artists like Jiang Dawei, De Dema, Yang Liping and Teng Geer (DVD Vol 1).

Since its conception, the group has become the most renowned performing arts ensemble in China, playing to sold-out crowds around the world. All their performances are full of fashion and fiery passion. To date, the ensemble has performed in more than 100 countries and regions across the world and won high acclaim because of its strong ethnic color and outstanding artistic style. Annually, the ensemble gives more than 100 performances in China and has the rare distinction of selling out every performance. Some of its performances, such as The Lotus Dance, and The Peacock Dance (Yang Liping, DVD Vol. 1), have won nine Gold Medals, nine Silver Medals, and five Bronze Medals at international competitions.

In their first USA grand tour in 20 yrs, the ensemble’s 42 exquisite artists from 18 different ethnic groups, (including performers from Tibet, Mongolia, Uygur, Korea, Manchur, Tujia, Zhuang), provided Asian culture enthusiasts and folk dance lovers with opportunity of lifetime, a chance to experience the beautiful songs and dances of Chinese ethnic minority groups.

The Ensemble spent last 3 yrs and 20 Mil RMB (2.5 Mil US$) to create their new show, Auspicious Clouds from Heaven to Earth (DVD vol. 2).   Director Ding Wei told reporters that the new ethnic customs alone cost 2 Mil RMB (US$250K) to design and custom make by the locals by hand.