The China Club performers wore silk, flowy red and white traditional Chinese gowns that moved as they danced during Culture Night 2021. The performers smiled as their movements flowed together in sync. Leaving the stage, members came back wearing black pants, T-shirts and jean jackets while the traditional song changed to techno-sounding music, followed by cheers from the audience.
The China Club decided to perform a traditional song, showing elegance and yin-yang, but with an “explosive” twist to showcase modern Chinese dancing, the choreographer explained.
The 13 live performers were also accompanied by a virtual performance by members in China.
The online performance consisted of students Cai Hai and Yi Sheng Xiao playing a traditional instrument, the Gu Zheng and Mang Zhong, who performed a solo traditional dance, according to the Vice President JunJie (Joe) Wu a sophomore from China majoring in marketing.
Music and costumes
The club choreographer, Joy Tang, a sophomore from Canada studying business management, said they wore hanfu, a Chinese traditional gown that is not only popular for dance, but for everyday life in China, as it is making a comeback in modern-day fashion.
Tang explained, “People on the streets are starting to wear this clothing and bring this traditional costume back into style. The hanfu has become just a part of their everyday wardrobe.”
Secretary Fei Liu, a sophomore from China studying accounting, explained the hanfu costumes represent the Han Dynasty of China and their power.
As for this year’s music, Tang said the club danced to a song called “Mang Zhong.” This song has been used for different dances, she said, and was a great song to showcase their traditional style dance. Tang said they also used a remix of the song to add a modern twist.
During the performance, the music was soft and gentle, bringing a sense of peace to the audience.
The last dance was full of life and upbeat music and moves. The dancers changed out of their traditional costumes and opted in for street clothes and traditional Chinese fans.
A close community
Tang said joining the China Club has been a way for her to gain friends and join in fun activities. “I really liked the community that we built together in the China Club. They invited me to many Chinese Club activities, including the Culture Night. All these activities were fun, and we have a lot of food,” she said.
Liu said she enjoys working with everyone and creating beauty with dance. Everyone is welcome to join the close community of the China Club, she said, adding it is the best place for anyone who is willing to learn and engage in the cultures and traditions of China.
She said dancing in Culture Night allowed her to see good in the club members. “I received lots of help from our dance teachers, and it shows their Christ-like characters. They sacrificed their time to choreograph, organize and teach for the show,” she said.
Tang said the club members worked diligently to prepare for their performance with regular practices and creating costumes. Because the club had only a month to prepare, she said every practice required efficiency. She explained the club’s regular choreographers went back to China, so she took the initiative to choreograph and teach the dance.
Tang also credited her fellow club member, Joe Wu, for being a support to her when it came to teaching the students the choreography. She said, “He offered to practice with anyone who wanted to practice. He always made time from his busy schedule and taught them privately. It is very awesome.”
See more photos on Ke Alaka'i's Facebook page.