Cloud Gate Dance Theater comes to Ming Chuan

Tuesday night Ming Chuan played host to the famous Cloud Gate Dance Theater group. It was by pure chance that I and a few of my classmates found out about the performance... a friend of a friend told someone...etc. The best part is we got our tickets for FREE the day of the performance from the international office on-campus. (Ahhh.... the perks of being a 外國人）

It was a really interesting show. I have to admit I am not a huge fan of modern interpretative dance, however, the dances were a fascinating blend of ancient Chinese dance/martial arts and contemporary modern dance. The performers and the choreography was very well done.

One other interesting note, the "mayor" of Gueishan County was in attendance and said some encouraging words before the performance. I didn't catch much of his speech, but he seemed excited to be there and very supportive of Ming Chuan University.

- Moon Water Dance -
"'Energy flows as water, while the spirit shines as the moon."
This description of a Tai Chi practitioner's ideal state was the inspiration for Moon Water. Accompanied by selected compositions from J.S. Bach's cello suites, Lin Hwai-min's choreography is derived from the graceful Chinese martial arts of Tai Chi."

- Wild Cursive -
"...a lyrical dance with its title and movement ideas inspired by Chinese calligraphy."

Ming Chuan's 51st Anniversary!

Happy 51st Anniversary MCU!

This week was crazy! After a great week at home, I left Michigan on Monday afternoon. I arrived back in Taiwan late Tuesday night and had normal class on Wednesday... then on Thursday we had a "field trip!"

Thursday was Ming Chuan University's 51st Anniversary, so since no one else had to go to class- we decided to practice our Chinese in the "real world"-- A.K.A. attend MCU's birthday party!

Quen and I decided to embarass the tuxedo boys!

All of my classmates (minus the only boy Michael).
6 nationalities represented!!

And I can never make fun of Eddie for being a "cheerleader" again. (Well.... yes, I still can ;-) But it turns out that "cheerleading" in Chinese can also mean like a hip-hop dance squad/aerobatic team. Somewhat more "manly" than what I had pictured! Each of MCU's departments put together a different act for the annual cheerleading competition. I was really impressed by how creative their themes and costumes were! It's great to see that kind of school spirit!