The warm breeze of late spring carried drifting cottonwood flowers across the campus, while students hurried between classes, assignments, and final preparations for exams. Amid the stress and excitement, the Chinese Talent Show provided us with an opportunity and space to create lasting memories together before the semester came to an end.

Held on May 20, the Chinese Talent Show brought together students from different levels of Chinese language classes to celebrate language learning, cultural exchange, and creativity. The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Guo Haipeng, Dean of the School of General Education (SGE); Dr. Bingzhao Wu, Head of the Chinese Language and Culture Center (SGE-CLCC); and Ms. Jessica Xiao, International Student Coordinator of the International Development Office (IDO).

As the event began, the audience was greeted by an vibrant traditional lion dance performance accompanied by an opening speech from the hosts. The drumbeats and energetic movements of the lion dance immediately captured everyone’s attention.

On behalf of all the students and faculty, Dr. Bingzhao Wu, Director of the Chinese Language and Culture Center (CLCC), accepted the lion dance's Cai Qing (Plucking the Greens) blessing — a head of lettuce presented by the lions, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

The first stage performance was presented by students of the Intermediate Chinese II class, who performed the song 告白气球 (Love Confession). Their cheerful performance successfully warmed up the audience.

Next, students from the mixed classes performed 山丘上的城堡(Castle on the Hill). The familiar melody and emotional atmosphere of the song made many students quietly sing along.

Another performance by the Intermediate Chinese I class followed, featuring the song 情非得已 (Can’t Help Falling in Love). The students’ pronunciation and stage confidence showed the effort they had put into practicing for the event.

The event then moved to its first game session, “Who Can Kick the Most?” In this shuttlecock kicking challenge, participants competed to see who could kick the shuttlecock the greatest number of times without dropping it. As a traditional recreational activity commonly seen in Chinese history, this game introduced international students to this culture.

After the game, we had the third prize for the lucky draw!

Ms. Candy Cai and the prize winners

Students of the Chinese Poetry and Culture class then presented a poetry recitation of 送友人(Farewell to a Friend by Li Bai from the Tang Dynasty). Through clear pronunciation and expressive delivery, the students successfully conveyed the emotions of friendship and parting contained in this classical Chinese poem.

Following the poetry recitation, the Advanced Chinese II students performed a dubbing presentation of Shrek 2, paying tribute to last year’s Shrek dubbing performance! This demonstrated how language learning can be combined with creativity.

The Intermediate Chinese II then performed the song 等你下课 (Waiting for You After Class). Following this was a tradition game of the Chinese Talent Show: Pitch-Pot.

After the game, the lucky draw for the second prize took place, once again raising excitement throughout the hall.

Dr. Jenny Cui and the prize winners

The Elementary Chinese II then presented a stage play adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

Students from the Intermediate Chinese II sang “Love Is an Open Door”.

The lucky draw for the first prize was then announced. Cheers and applause filled the venue as the final winner was announced. In addition to the exquisite tea packets, the final winner was also awarded a set of comic booklet titled Poetic Wandering in Comics by James Yang, which includes two volumes focusing on Tang poetry and Song lyrics respectively.

Dr. James Yang and the prize winner

Finally, the Chinese Talent Show concluded with closing remarks by the hosts. Students gathered together for group photos to capture the memorable moments of the event, and everyone went home with Dragon Boat Festival sachets and five-colored bracelets — traditional items believed to ward off evil and bring good health.

Overall, the Chinese Talent Show was not only an entertaining celebration, but also a meaningful cultural experience that brought students together during the emotionally significant final weeks of the semester. Through songs, poetry, games, dubbing, drama, and shared laughter, the event strengthened the bonds between faculty members and international students, as well as inspired their confidence and ethusastism for mastering Chinese language and culture, while leaving them with memories that will linger long after the semester ends.

From: SGE CLCC

Reporter: Avril Wu

Editors: Dr. James Yang, Ms. Candy Cai

Photo: He Qiubei, MPRO