Last updated on March 9, 2019
By: Yvonne Nachtigal
Volunteer State Community College promoted a Chinese cultural exchange at Caudill Hall Nov. 2, with a Shaolin Kungfu and Chinese folk music performance of “Wulin Hanyun.”
About 200 people attended the two-hour show, which was a blend of history, martial arts, and musical performance was performed by students from Songshan Shaolin Wushu College. Traditional Chinese music was performed by musicians from Henan University.
The troupe has performed “Wulin Hanyun” on 120 campuses worldwide. This is the second year it has included Vol State on its U.S. tour.
“They had multiple stops and were kind enough to include us. I would guesstimate they might have done eight to 10 performances this year,” said Director of International Education John Espey.
The cultural exchange program was sponsored by Tennessee State University, the Confucius Institute and the Han Bang Institute, which, according to Espey is essentially the Chinese government.
Espey said the program benefits China by spreading and sharing their language and culture.
“I don’t think you can put everything in dollars and cents. China is on the world stage and has been on the world stage. They hosted the Olympics and they’re the most populous country in the world,” said Espey.
In June of this year, Espey, two Chinese language culture students, and two language culture faculty members visited the Confucius Institute in Beijing.
“It was a delegation visit,” he said.
Students and local residents enjoyed the show.
“I think it’s really cool,” said elementary education major Xiafeng Ma. She said that she goes by Lily.
Ma came from China two years ago. “I’m Chinese so I’m proud of the show. I saw them on TV all the time, but this is my first time to watch in person,” she said.
Comments are closed.