MACAO, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- House of Dancing Water, an aquatic stage production featuring aerial acrobatics and theater technology, was awarded the 2025 Medal of Merit for tourism by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Friday.

The medals of merit, according to the SAR government, recognize individuals or entities for notable or outstanding contributions in professional services, industry and commerce, tourism development, education, culture and the arts, philanthropy and social services, and sports.

The production party told Xinhua that they expect the show to lay a foundation for the city's performing arts industry, create more employment opportunities, and support the Macao SAR government's efforts to promote economic diversification.

Behind the stage is an international team of performers and creatives from more than 30 countries and regions, mirroring Macao itself: a city shaped by encounters between East and West and between tradition and modernity.

For Athuman Ford Athuman, known on stage as Wabo, the journey to Macao began in 2009. Born and raised in Tanzania, he had never learned to swim.

"I was really scared at first, but after a few months of training, I realized it was a good opportunity to learn new things," he said. "Now I can swim, and I actually love water."

On his days off, Wabo explores neighborhoods in Macao, tries fried rice, wonton noodles, and egg tarts, greets audiences who recognize him, and is sometimes asked to take a selfie with them.

"In Macao, you meet people from everywhere -- just like in our team," he said.

Local performer Wa Ian I, who joined the production about 11 months ago as a breath-hold performer, recalled her first days in the team with excitement.

"We speak different languages and have different cultural backgrounds," she said, adding that they sometimes communicate through body language or a simple look of trust. "You know you can rely on each other."

Yu Jingjing, who joined the cast in November 2024, brings elements of Chinese dance, martial arts, and Tai Chi.

Integrating into a multilingual team was not easy. "My English was really poor," Yu said with a laugh.

She now makes a point of sharing Chinese culture with international colleagues, especially during festivals, gifting Jingdezhen porcelain flowers or small tiger figurines.

For Yu, the show carries a deeper message. "So many people from different countries working together on one thing -- and presenting it beautifully -- that itself means peace," she said.