Opera epic Turandot, directed by Zhang Yimou, is staged at the Stade De France, the largest stadium in Paris, on May 28, 2005. File photo

The two creative mavericks, both considered leading choreographers in China, are working as deputy-directors under Zhang Yimou, the general director of the opening ceremony. The two choreographers each have a long string of well-received major performances under their belts.

International audiences enjoyed a small glimpse of what the 2008 performance might be like during the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympics four years ago. An eight-minute "preview" show, which Chen helped to choreograph, wowed crowds with performances featuring traditional Chinese musical instruments and dress.

However, Chen promises to outdo that performance this summer. "On August 8 in Beijing, we will do more and much better," he says.

Chen is known for staging elaborate large-scale performances that draw upon traditional Chinese themes and history, while employing modern choreography and special effects. For instance, in designing the opening ceremony for the 2001 Universiade in Beijing, a worldwide sporting competition for university students, Chen choreographed thousands of dancers wearing "terracotta warrior" costumes to perform on a special stage built to resemble a giant drum. The performance, led by the famous Chinese dancer Huang Doudou, became an instant classic.

Chen says that he likes to combine old themes with new technology to create memorable effects. "In the arena, an audience needs a show that has strong and striking impact," he says.

The theme of the 2008 Olympic opening ceremony is a closely guarded secret. But the two choreographers did drop a few tantalizing hints.

"I cannot reveal the theme of the opening ceremony, but I can say it focuses on two points, the civilization and harmony," Zhang Jigang says. "It will showcase how the Chinese culture develops and joins in the world civilization."

Zhang is known for weaving together traditional themes and progressive ideas. One of his most famous performances was choreographed for the 2005 Spring Festival gala, which was broadcast on CCTV.

In a performance titled Thousand Handed Bodhisattva, dancers stood in long lines and extended their arms in synchronized wave-like motions - to create the illusion of a single body with several dozen arms, resembling the many-armed Bodhisattva. All of the performers were deaf and the show's message of possibility captured the public imagination.

"I promise that we will present an opening ceremony that makes all Chinese feel proud," Zhang says. "The content we will use is definitely familiar to all Chinese, but I bet the way we present will be totally unexpected. And both East and West audiences can understand and appreciate."

Chen says that he also intends to showcase China's history and its future horizons.

"From the ceremony, the world will see China's 5,000 years of flourishing culture, the present promise and open-mindedness of China - and of course the spirit of the Olympics," Chen says.

Zhang gave one final clue about the upcoming performance: He revealed that the choreographers plan to make full use of the iconic structure of the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium, where the opening ceremony will take place.

"When I stepped into the 'nest' for the first time, I felt the 'pressure' it gave me," he says. "It is so big that one person feels so small and weak inside it. The design of its curved roof makes me feel the sky is somehow smaller."

He says that one goal of the choreography would be to "highlight the relation between the small 'sky' and the performers - to display the harmony between nature and human beings."