The Confucius Institute will celebrate their fifth year anniversary at The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Saturday, April 20 from 1:30-3 p.m at the Center for the Arts.
The anniversary celebration will encompass Chinese music and dance in a variety show.
There will be many performances featuring the 56 ethnic communities in China.
The stage show will include ‘Dombra solo,’ a martial arts showcase performed by a Kazakh Ethnic Group and a solo dance titled ‘Thousands of horses galloping ahead,’ that The Mongolian Ethnic Group is performing.
Musical performances will include Sichuan opera’s “Changing face” and a flute solo titled “Cucurbit” by a Dai ethnic group.
The guest speaker for the event is Chen Dayun, president of South-Central University for Nationalities, and Chancellor Dennis J. Shields.
Consuls from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago will also attend.
“The People’s Republic of China is rich in ethnic diversity,” said Mei Reeder, assistant director of the Confucius Institute. “There are splendid and colorful varieties of music and dance, festivals and celebrations, customs and characteristics among the 56 ethnic groups.”
UW-Platteville’s Confucius Institute is the only one in Wisconsin. They provide language courses for university students, faculty, staff and community members. Students K-12 are also encouraged to attend.
Established in 2008, the Confucius Institute plays a key role in the partnership between UW-Platteville and South-Central University for Nationalities. SCUN is part of an international network of over 700 Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms whose goal is to enhance the understanding of the Chinese language and culture around the world.
Reeder has been with the institute for more than four years and said she has enjoyed seeing the program grow.
“It still has a ways to go to be where I would like it, but we are making good process.” Reeder said.
Tickets to their anniversary celebration can be purchased online or by calling 342-1298. The event costs $5 a person. Admission is free for Kids under 12.
