The China Disabled Persons’ Art Performing Troupe has condemned local troupes that have illegally copied its best-known works, the "1,000 Hands of Kwan-yin" Dance.

　　Leaders of the Troupe urged all copycats to stop their illegal activities.

　　They say the troupe does not want to monopolize the dance, but that those who want to perform the dance should get formal permission from its co-owners -- the troupe and its artistic director, Zhang Jigang.

　　The dance was staged at the annual CCTV show on the traditional Chinese New Year’s Eve.

　　It caused a big stir among the audience and has inspired some people to copy it.

　　Some local troupes have staged similar performances, reportedly infringing on the troupe’s intellectual property.

　　In China, Guanyin, or Kwan-yin, is widely known as the Goddess of Benevolence in Buddhism, who is in charge of birth.