The Pui Ching Middle School Dance Team arrived in Lisbon, Portugal and performed in parades on local streets. The team captured the audience with its rhythm and beat and won cheers from many.  The local Chinese community commended the students on their graceful dance moves and traditional Chinese dance styles and expressed interest in visiting Macao one day.

Invited by the Consulate General of China in Portugal, the Pui Ching Dance Team attended the annual Happy Spring Festival Gala. The dance team attended the event with Education Bureau Chief Ms. Wai Kei Leong, Language Promotion Center Director Mr. Zang Chi Wong, Pui Ching Middle School Principal Dr. Kam Fai Kou and Vice-Principal Mr. Keng Man Kuok.  Upon arrival, students visited various local attractions including Our Lady of Fatima Church, the Padriao dos Descobrimentos and the Liston Cathedral and learned about the local history and culture.  The dance team engaged in their final rehearsal after the tour and attracted much applause from onlookers.

The dance parade began with the 20-member Tibetan group dance “A Weaver on the Horizon”, which re-enacted scenes from the Tibetan folklore where Lady Lianzhi taught local Tibetan girls to weave and helped to change life for the better.  At the Martim Moniz Square, our dance team put on performances including “Why Flowers are so Red”, “The Foot-Stomping Song”, “Feminine Grace”, and “Yibandu”.  Among these, the Han dance “Feminine Grace” was brought alive on stage with famous Macao Zitherist and teacher of the School of Music at the Conservatory of Macao Ms. Tek Ka Leong. 

After the parade, the team joined the organizer at dinner and was invited to an impromptu dance on stage. The team once again captured the audience with its marvelous performance and won many cheers.

The 2017 Happy Spring Festival Gala in Portugal was jointly hosted by the Consulate General of China in Portugal, the Lisbon government, the Porto government, and the Portimao government. The event showcased cultural performances and exhibitions as well as photography exhibitions.  It aims to bring Chinese New Year festivities to the local Chinese community and promote cultural ties between China and Portugal.  The dance team is to continue its performance on stage the next day.

The grand event has been covered in various newspaper articles:

http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2017-01/23/content_1152691.htm

http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2017-01/23/content_1152693.htm

http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2017-01/23/content_1152697.htm