Recently, the Confucius Institute at Wesleyan College hosted two performances of the “Wind from the Grassland” National Art Troupe at Middle Georgia State University and Wesleyan College’s own campus. The distinctive repertoire of Chinese singing and dancing showcased traditional Mongolian characteristics, and the glamorous display of Chinese art and culture was highly appreciated by the faculty and students of both schools.
The “Wind from the Grassland” National Art Troupe, consisting largely of Mongolian artists, will take a one-month tour around the southeastern United States at the invitation of several American Confucius Institutes. The second stop of the tour in Macon, Georgia, was hosted by Confucius Institute at Wesleyan College. The performance was shared by Middle Georgia State University, a four-year public university in Macon, with the aim of propelling the development of the Confucius Institute in the state of Georgia as well as promoting cooperation in joint Chinese teaching programs between the two schools. The audiences enjoyed visual and audio feasts in the opening piece, “Prairie”, demonstrating Mongolia Humai (traditional throat singing, listed as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage), Mongolian dancing, Mongolian long-tune, morin khuur and other Chinese and Mongolian art forms. The attendees included members of the media, students and faculty of Middle Georgia State University, and community members. Dr. Robert A. McTyre, Chair of the Media, Culture & the Arts program at Middle Georgia State University, spoke highly of the splendid show and hoped it could pave the way for mutual cultural exchange and cooperation.
Following the performance at Middle George State University, the artists performed for a second time in the new Pierce Chapel of Wesleyan College at the request of the faculty and students. When the final number, “Spring Comes”, began, the audience sang together in a salute to the exceptional art. Following the finale, the artists enjoyed a prolonged standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.
Dr. N.C. Yang, professor of Chemistry at Middle Georgia State University, expressed excitement for the show given by his compatriots. He said that he felt proud of his motherland when he saw the audience’s wonder at the artistic charm of Chinese culture. Dr. Nicholas Steneck, American Co-Director of the Confucius Institute at Wesleyan College, extended his heartfelt congratulations for the successful show and considered the refreshing show a stunning reflection of Chinese culture through art that would be accessible and impressive to a wide audience.
Chinese