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Traditional Chinese Lion Dance ~ After School Program
Inspiration and Overview:
Our after-school program is designed to provide children with a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate traditional Chinese culture. Our primary focus is on Chinese Lion Dance, a centuries-old performance art that involves acrobatics, music, and teamwork.
These performances are Hong De’s most effective form of outreach, displaying the pageantry and wonder of the art form. The example set by Hong De’s youth performers at these events communicates the group’s mission of reaching diverse communities, and after the excitement generated by the participatory, interactive demonstrations, what follows are discussions with school leaders and community groups about how Hong De can provide after school programs within their community.
The program will be available to youth participants free of charge and will serve as an introduction to the skills and tenets of Lion Dance for those enrolled, as well as an introduction of Hong De to the larger community the organization hopes to impact.
Program Structure:
The program runs for the duration of the school year. Each class is led by an instructor who has extensive experience in Chinese culture and the performing arts. Classes are designed to be both educational and fun, with a focus on building skills such as teamwork, discipline, and creativity.
Throughout the program, students will learn the history and significance of Lion Dance, as well as the physical techniques and skills required to perform. In addition to learning the Lion Dance movements, children will learn to play the accompanying instruments and work as a team to coordinate the dance. There will be multiple events for the students to perform Lion Dance. Giving children the opportunity to be celebrated at performances is one of the key ways Hong De demonstrates the importance of each child’s effort and the beauty of teamwork, courage, and determination.
Benefits of joining Lion Dance:
Our after-school program provides numerous benefits for children, including:
- Promoting multicultural understanding and appreciation
- Developing mental skills of discipline, creativity, focus, perseverance, and confidence
- Building physical skills of strength, flexibility, endurance and fine motor skills.
- Learning social skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and self-expression.
Locations and Partner Schools:
- Twin Cities Academy
- Saint Paul, MN
- Tuesdays, 4:15pm – 5:30pm
- Yinghua Academy
- Minneapolis, MN
- Thursdays, 4:00 – 5:30pm
- Interested in Bringing Our After-School Program to Your School? We’re looking to partner with more schools and offer exciting and educational activities to students. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your school!
This after school program is made possible through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Additional information regarding the project and use of the grant can be found in our annual report.