Teen-ager Dalian Urbonya was able to utilize her perfect Chinese-speaking skills February 5 as one of the emcees in the 2006 Spring Festival at the Memorial Union. She was visibly elated as she also directed some of the children?s dances that celebrated Chinese culture. Dalian, as many locals know, grew up in mainland China when her parents Tim and Lisa resided and worked there for 12 years.
The event was hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Chinese Students & Scholars Association, in the hope of reaching out to the Greater Madison community by offering a yearly presentation that reflects the beauty of Chinese culture and the emergence of young, talented Chinese Americans who are actively learning and absorbing both cultures. Directed by Annie Chen, the program had 22 numbers, mostly musical. As expected, Dalian's Hua Mulan Chinese Dance Troupe excited the big audience with their Happy Puppy, Joyful, and Umbrella Spring dances. The Madison Area Chinese Community Organization (MACCO) presented the group of Xiaoli Wu with a traditional instrument ensemble with the number "Liuyang River." Joining the show in full force was the Madison Fine Arts Preschool with the song "Wish of Chicken" (about bird flu), that actually brought fun and laughter throughout the hall. The children were dressed like members of a band, complete with a "super singer" and mock band instruments. As young as they were, their performance was extra special that surely made their parents and teachers proud. Chinese kung fu was well choreographed and executed by the Wushu Class, proof of rigorous training and exercise. Lianqi Shao played a Tibetan string instrument whose every pluck seemed to echo peace and calm. Helen Sun shared a voice that can only be described as heavenly when she sang "Singing on the Wings."
Other performers deserved equal accollades, but the most important praise and recognition should go to the UW Chinese Students and Scholars Association for enriching the Madison community with the knowledge and understanding of China and its people. |
