Chinese Week Celebration gala at EMU kicks off The Year of The Tiger
Nico Wang-Pontius, 6, feeds an orange to a Chinese lion during a dance by the Chinese Lion Dance Troupe of Michigan during the Chinese Spring Festival Gala at the EMU Student Center Ballroom on Sunday.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Today marked the first day of a week-long Chinese Week Celebration at Eastern Michigan University to usher in The Year of The Tiger.
The gala in the EMU Student Center ballroom included games, a colorful cultural display, dinner, a keynote speech by EMU Provost Jack Kay, performances - including lion dance, Chinese yoyo, and more - a lucky draw, and dance.
From left, Mo Li, Peggy Fisher, Yasmin Snounu and Judith Sachs practice Chinese calligraphy as demonstrator and Easter assistant professor Shinming Shyu stands by before the Chinese Spring Festival Gala at the EMU Student Center Ballroom on Sunday.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Comments
Jeff Westbrooks
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.
Thank you for explaining. Lion Dance Troupes are not just a cultural display, but are also historically very territorial. It has been said that if two different schools lion's were to meet on the street ofttimes a fight would ensue. Although not part of the "chinese circle" I have pride in the fact I've done Lion Dancing for 16 years and though I'm forced to work in Augusta, GA because of the economy in Michigan I am going to do a Lion Dance with a troupe of Chou Lee Fut practitioners this weekend. Is this Lion Dance troupe aligned with any kungfu school utilizing the martial stepping or are just banging things together and moving around in a lion costume. (Sorry I'm not trying to be snarky) Whatever, I'm happy for them and wish them the best of luck. It is a Chinese Lion Dance not a Chinese in a Chinese Lion Dance. I think the symbol for the Detroit Lions should be a Chinese Lion and not the one they have now. The Chinese Lion is associated with hard work and good luck, not some big lazy cat waiting for the harem to bring him lunch. Happy New Year Lion Dance Troupe of Michigan Chinese School; I hope you have a prosperous new year.
Steve Pepple
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 7:28 a.m.
A comment was removed because it contained a personal attack against another commenter.
Jeff Westbrooks
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.
Thank you for explaining. Lion Dance Troupes are not just a cultural display, but are also historically very territorial. It has been said that if two different schools lion's were to meet on the street ofttimes a fight would ensue. Although not part of the "chinese circle" I have pride in the fact I've done Lion Dancing for 16 years and though I'm forced to work in Augusta, GA because of the economy in Michigan I am going to do a Lion Dance with a troupe of Chou Lee Fut practitioners this weekend. Is this Lion Dance troupe aligned with any kungfu school utilizing the martial stepping or are just banging things together and moving around in a lion costume. (Sorry I'm not trying to be snarky) Whatever, I'm happy for them and wish them the best of luck. It is a Chinese Lion Dance not a Chinese in a Chinese Lion Dance. I think the symbol for the Detroit Lions should be a Chinese Lion and not the one they have now. The Chinese Lion is associated with hard work and good luck, not some big lazy cat waiting for the harem to bring him lunch. Happy New Year Lion Dance Troupe of Michigan Chinese School; I hope you have a prosperous new year.
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 3:22 a.m.
This Lion Dance Troupe is the very well-known (in Chinese circles) lion dance troupe from the Michigan Chinese School in Livonia. They hardly claim to represent all of Michigan, the name is simply shortened (in English) for "Lion Dance Troupe of Michigan Chinese School". They are excellent and play an important role for Chinese American children to learn about their culture and heritage. I have been watching both troupes (Michigan Chinese School and Ann Arbor-based Asian Martial Arts Studio) for many many years and both are excellent.
Jeff Westbrooks
Sun, Feb 7, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.
Lion Dance Troupe of Michigan. Where does this group get the idea that they represent the state of Michigan. The AMAS Chinese Lion Dance Troupe has existed as a troupe since 1983 and has been recognized by the State of Michigan with Cultural awards. My hometown is Ypsilanti and it disturbs me that the group that has performed for the Chinese ambassador, opened for the Bee Gee's, opened for BB KIng and has done numerous parades in downtown Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti is brushed aside by EMU and the "Lion Dance Troupe of Michigan". What city do you belong with? What school? What style? I'm happy that the Chinese New Year is being celebrated, but please don't bring out some unknown group and let them call themselves the "Chinese Lion Dance Troupe of Michigan" bah