Students and staff of the Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan School in Maniwaki, Quebec, came to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Monday evening to learn about Chinese culture.
While field trips are not unusual at this school, this trip was something special, because it treated the 50-strong group to the Chinese New Year Spectacular , which has been staging a revival of China's culture and traditions in a series of lavish shows around the world.
Of all the shows the children have attended, Ms. Tenesco, a teacher, says the Spectacular was the best one. "They get a lot out of it and it means more to them when they see it on stage. This means something because it's culture, and it's what they are studying in school."
It all started last summer when principal Shirley Whiteduck picked up some pamphlets while attending a Caribbean festival. She saw a kiosk playing a DVD of a previous Chinese New Year Spectacular in New York.
Seeing the elaborate costumes of the singers and dancers, Whiteduck knew the students would have an experience they would never forget.
Tenesco said the children really loved the drumming, explaining that they were imitating the musicians' moves. She said the girls particularly liked the dancing.
"The students are learning about Chinese culture, and they studied a bit about it before they came. The introductions to the performances give the children a lot to learn."
"It gave me goosebumps, especially the drums," said Whiteduck. "See, I'm a drum girl, so when the drummers came on, I thought, 'Wow, what a great feeling.' And also the colors, and the story behind the Chinese New Year … I think it's exciting. Most of the kids were impressed."
Whiteduck said that when native peoples have gatherings or pow wows, drumming is a big part of them. "For me the most moving thing is the drumming. We have drumming back home, as well as dancing and singing, so it's very similar, but in a different way, of course, and we have our legends as well. I have learned a lot about China and although I haven't been there, now it seems it would be a worthwhile trip."
"I really connected with the transformation story because I work with young adults with behavioral issues."
After returning home, the students will write journals and draw pictures of what they learned about Chinese culture.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.
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