Dazzlingly dressed in shimmering gold costumes, the dancers move gracefully across the stage and form a straight line facing the audience. Then comes the astounding moment when they stretch out their arms and flutter their hands, all with matching finger bands, creating a kaleidoscopic image of the Thousand-hand Guanyin (Bodhisattva).

If it weren't for the trainer giving cues from the wings, one would think these smiling dancers were no different from other professional troupes.

But each of these performers has a disability.

Formed in 1992, Beijing Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe has been devoted to nurturing talented young people with disabilities throughout China. The acclaimed group has won awards and performed in more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe and America, drawing comparison with another internationally renowned troupe, China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, which staged the same dance so spectacularly at the Athens Paralympics closing ceremony in 2004.

In Hong Kong for the first time on a 10-day visit, the Beijing ensemble is delighted by the response of its audiences.

"Their enthusiasm is a great boost to our performance," says Zheng Chenggang, the troupe leader.

The choreography of the Thousand-hand Guanyin dance is striking in that every movement must be flawlessly synchronized, demanding precise agility and perfect harmony. The dance is derived from and modeled on Buddhist art engraved on the walls of Mogao Caves in Gansu province's Dunhuang county. The performance tells the story of an ancient princess who sacrifices her arms to help others attain enlightenment.

"We wish the dance to bring people peace and blessings," Zheng adds.

The deaf-mute performers, aged between 14 and 19, learn their art the hard way - through sign language with the trainers. Their determination makes up for their physical disability and each move is practiced exactly 100 times to get it right. It has taken the troupe a year to master such an intricate dance, spending an average of six to 10 hours a day in rehearsals.

Che Qiao, 14, from Hebei province, says: "It's exhausting but I am very happy with it. I try not to rely on my trainer and feel what's in my heart to perform."

The troupe will next perform at a ceremony in May to mark the 60th anniversary of the King of Thailand's ascension to the throne.

Thousand-hand Guanyin Performance. Until Jan 31, 3pm-3.45pm; 6pm-6.45pm. Plaza Entrance, Sha Tin New World Plaza. Free. 2750 0031