Performing with the Beaverton Symphony Orchestra – Sunday, September 17, 2017, 3-5 pm
We were honored to be invited to perform with the Beaverton Symphony Orchestra as part of City of Beaverton Welcoming Week for immigrants and refugees.
When: Sunday, Sept 17, 2017 at 3pm
Where: VBC Grand Auditorium at Village Baptist Church
330 SW Murray Blvd., Beaverton, Oregon (Directions)
(Download event flyer: Sept 2017 Symphony of Cultures Event)
We sincerely appreciate the superb performances by dancers and by our partner organizations, the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland’s Fitness Team and the Portland Chinese Dance Troupe.
(1) Qipiao Show 旗袍 by our Lovely Performers
Qipiao is the traditional Chinese dresses popular as daily and special occasion dresses for ladies in China about 50 to 100 years ago. They are also popular in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Qipiao is now making a come-back in China and gaining popularity here in the U.S.
(2) A Short Talk on the History and Cultural Integration Perspectives of the Chinese Immigrants
Cathy Chinn, President of the Northwest Chinese Alliance, talked about the experiences of the Chinese immigrants in Oregon and the Portland Metro region – the history, the struggles, adjustments, and the integrations to being part of the United States. She also discussed how we use Chinese cultural performances to showcase our culture and enhance understanding with the general public.
(3) Raindrops Pattering on Banana Leaves 雨打芭蕉 by the Portland Chinese Dance Troupe
This dance shows that on a rainy day, at a place in Southern China, the raindrops are rhythmically pitter-pattering on banana leaves, a group of ladies are holding umbrellas, walking lithely and gracefully, dancing lightly and ripplingly, playing happily and joyfully in the rain. Their shoes are beating briskly on the beats of the music, and the silky umbrellas are dancing and flying over their heads. It is such a graceful and lovely dance, perfectly suited for our rainy Metro Portland Region. The dance was led by Olivia Weng.
(4) Lotuses in June 六月清荷 by the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland Fitness Team
This beautiful silk fan dance was choreographed based on the well-known Chinese folk dance, Jiao Zhou Yang He (胶州秧歌) originated from Northern China more than 300 years ago. The dance incorporated with modern dance elements as well. The costumes are colorful and characteristic of the region which where the folk dance is set. The green color of the silk fans reflects the floating of the lotus leaves and the interior pink color silk reveals the blossoming lotus flowers that symbolize beauty and purity. This dance was led by Xiaohong Lu.
We are thankful to everyone who stopped by our table to talk with us and for the opportunity to participate with the Beaverton Sympathy Orchestra during this very special Welcoming Week Celebration.
We are especially thankful to our directors and dancers for such lovely performances.
