February 18, 2011
Move over Milan, Paris, Shanghai, and New York City! It turns out that the number one city for fashion is Chongqing, China. On January 26, students, teachers and even some parents strutted down the catwalk in traditional Chinese costumes from both minority and Han Chinese fashions. Teachers Charlotte Wu and Vivian Huang, Co-Principal Sophie Che and the rest of the Chinese teachers put together this event as a creative way for students to learn more about the Chinese culture.
An entertaining time was held by all as each class prepared a presentation with music. The whole school body was involved. Dorothy Kuek emceed the event. Years 3-4 got the ball rolling wearing traditional Han Chinese costumes and performing a choreographed class walk to the song Xi Yang Yang . Years 5-6 also wore traditional Han Chinese costumes and took their cue from nature by performing choreographed kite flying to Under the Sea. Years 1-2 took a traditional approach by performing a choreographed walk to the traditional Chinese New Year’s song Gong Xi Fa Cai. After a blazing performance they tossed red pockets filled with candy out to the crowd. Years 9-11 went modern with the popular song Xi Shua Shua but kept the costumes traditional as each student wore a beautiful hat modelled from the Qing Dynasty. ECE performed an energetic choreographed run down the catwalk and modelled “du dou” or Chinese singlet clothing worn by babies for good luck. Years 7-8 promoted a harmonious society by modelling costumes from many Chinese minority groups. Finally, a group of mothers graced the audience with a traditional fan dance set to The Flower Drums.
After the show the students, teachers, and parents played traditional Chinese games. It was a great event for learning about the Chinese culture and traditional clothing. Dorothy Kuek summed the night up well. “It was an awesome experience!” We all learned a lot about the Chinese culture and costumes”.
