USTB-DMU CI Celebrating World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
Release Time: 2024-04-29Views:
On the morning of Saturday April 27, 2024, USTB-DMU CI, in collaboration with the esteemed local Sifu Derek's International Taijiquan & Shaolin Wushu Association, orchestrated grand celebrations for World Taiji and Qigong Day at the picturesque Leicester's Town Hall Square. The event was attended by over fifty people, comprising CI teachers and the locals.
As profound embodiment of Chinese traditional culture, Tai Chi and all its charm were perfectly showcased during the World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, with the aim of promoting Taiji as a sport and fostering cross-cultural communication between China and the global community. USTB-DMU CI, joining effort with Sifu Derek’s International Taijiquan & Shaolin Wushu Association, has conducted weekly free Saturday Tai Chi morning sessions throughout the year since 2017, imparting the teachings of Taijiquan and the elegant artistry of Taiji fan, thereby making prominent contribution towards the dissemination of Chinese cultural heritage within the local community.
The celebrations commenced with a tranquil Tai Chi morning session, accompanied by the beautiful and smooth melodies, where the crowd was divided into beginner and advanced groups to engage in the fine practices of Taijiquan and Taiji fan respectively. Following the instructional phase, the participants also performed the Yang style Taijiquan and Taiji Fan, exemplifying the fruits of Tai Chi teaching and cultural interchange.
Subsequently, the fervor of the audience was ignited by enthralling performances of the dragon dance and lion dance. The resounding beat of vibrant gongs and drums echoed in the air during the lion dance, while the majestic lions thrilled onlookers with their graceful movements, attracting many local residents to stop to watch and applaud. The dragon dance, characterized by a winding golden dragon soaring through the sky, further stimulating the atmosphere of the venue. In addition, the association also brought wonderful Kungfu performances to the audience, including fascinating double sword and long cudgel routines, which inspired a more lively atmosphere.
The finale of the celebrations was marked by a fantastic Taiji fan dance performed by volunteer teachers of the CI. Their seamless movements, harmonious fanning, and beautiful composition culminated in warm applause, bringing down the curtain on the successful commemoration of World Taiji and Qigong Day. Through this procession of performances, the allure of Chinese martial arts was vividly portrayed, while Tai chi morning exercises were integrated into the daily life of local people, enriching their appreciation and affinity for Chinese cultural heritage.
The commemoration of World Taiji and Qigong Day served as a touching display of traditional Chinese Tai Chi culture, igniting a fervent interest among local residents and inciting active engagement in Tai Chi activities. The enduring impact of the Tai Chi morning sessions, jointly hosted by USTB-DMU CI and Sifu Derek’s International Taijiquan & Shaolin Wushu Association, continues to resonate within the local community, evidenced by the burgeoning participation rates. USTB-DMU CI will always strive to promote cultural exchanges and deepen the public's understanding of China's cultural heritage, so that more people can taste Tai Chi and other rich experiences of Chinese culture.
First Draft: NIU Zihan
Revision: GU Wei & LIU Jieli
