Seattle Chinese Culture & Arts Festival Offers Virtual Music, Movement and Online Exploration

Seattle Center Festál continues with A Glimpse of China-Seattle Chinese Culture & Arts Festival, a virtual afternoon program on Saturday, May 21 from 12-1:30 p.m. It will be available to watch on the WCACC Facebook, Seattle Center Facebook and Seattle Center YouTube.

A Glimpse of China explores traditional and contemporary influences of China, covering 5,000 years of history through folk dances, artwork and dance. The program begins with a welcome and Chinese drumming and music performed by Seattle Chinese Orchestra. The orchestra will perform with the pipa, a short-neck Chinese flute-like instrument.

The International Wudang Martial Arts Academy will share a video narrative of their school's ancient lineage and evolution incorporating recorded demonstrations by masters from across the world. This will be followed by musical performances from Zhenlun Cello Ensemble featuring a quartet with drum, piano and erhu excerpt from the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon soundtrack.

"A Glimpse of China is a festival accessible to everyone," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. "In the spirit of One Seattle, this is a great opportunity to learn more through celebration about a culture that continues to be distinctly influential across our City and communities."

The Seattle Chinese Dance Academy will perform traditional and ethnic dances, and Ms. Zuo Fan will perform a Chinese tea ceremony with Diancha, a method that dates to the Song Dynasty. A presentation of the making of a Chinese chair in the Ming Dynasty furniture style will be performed by Changzhou Yuantang. Zi De Guqin Studio will present Chang'an Fantasy, ghost patrol in ancient Chinese instruments and costumes of the Tang Dynasty.

"Festál honors communities that have found a home in Seattle," said Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams. "A Glimpse of China is a fantastic program full of traditions and customs."

The program will conclude with Chinese Wushu and Taichi by Yijiao Hong's Wushu & Taichi Academy.

For a full schedule of festival activities, visit the Seattle Center website.

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