CI celebrate the year of the goat

The Confucius Institute (CI) have enjoyed a week of celebrations to mark 2015 Chinese New Year.

Confucius Institute (CI) invited staff, students and the community to take part in a series of workshops and performances to celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the year of the goat.

The institute worked with several schools including, Bonus Pastor, Dulwich College and Castledown Primary. It was a chance for the students to learn a little of Chinese culture and the festival as well as having fun learning kung Fu, calligraphy and the Erhu, ‘Chinese fiddle’.

A Bonus Pastor School student who attended the calligraphy workshop said:

“My favourite part was learning how to write in Chinese with the brush and ink. I really learned a lot and benefited from the workshop, and it taught me a lot about the language.”

‌Goldsmiths CI teachers and artists also performed at a Chinese New Years event at Foyles on Saturday 21 February.

Goldsmiths CI teachers were invited to join international artisits and perform the following pieces. Erhu by Mr Liu Xiaobing, Dai dance “Shou Dui Li” by Xiowen Tang, Fan Dance by Tan Jing, Quzheng instrument by Min Peng and Collaboration piece of live dance and music by Liu Xiaobing and Xiaowen Tang.

One audience member said:

“It was beautiful. So professional and the performance was wonderful. I would love to see more!”

CI wrapped-up their celebrations for Chinese New Year with a community event at the Deptford Town Hall, to bring colleagues and friends together and celebrate the year of the goat.

The event included more performances by CI teachers and artists in martial arts, music and dance, as well as pieces from current BA Language and music students. Lewisham Mandarin Club for Kids also made a special appearance.