Students prove their enthusiasm through lion dance

The No 3 Sports Hall of Hubei University in Central China's Hubei province recently witnessed the majestic performance of a "Golden Dragon".

Over 10 meters long, the dragon danced to rhythmic music, leaping into the air and spiraling on the ground with grace and power, Changjiang Daily reported.

Among the talented team members were seventh-grade students from Donghui Middle School in Lhokha city, Xizang autonomous region. This was a reunion marking a special moment as these students, who were taught by a support team from Hubei University in 2021, came together to practice dragon and lion dances at the university in Wuhan, capital of Hubei.

Led by Mei Yijian and Tenzin Rigzang, the team showcased their skills with precision and enthusiasm. Mei Yijian, who will soon be in his third year at Hubei University and is a member of the university's dragon dance team, adjusted his movements to match the height of Tenzin Rigzang, showcasing their seamless coordination and dedication to the art.

Accompanying them were six teammates, including Pema Tashi and Lhakpa Chungdak, from Tibetan herding and farming communities.

This visit to Hubei marked their first venture outside of Xizang, as part of the Hubei-Xinjiang-Xizang Youth Hand in Hand Summer Camp. Nearly 100 Tibetan children participated in this weeklong activity.

The traditional dragon and lion dance is a forte of Hubei University, with the university team having achieved international success in competitions.

Since March 2021, five graduate students from Hubei University have taken turns serving as coach for the Donghui Middle School dragon and lion dance team. From forming the first male dragon dance team, to now having a female dragon dance team, lion dance team and ribbon dragon team, over 130 middle school students have received training and some were even awarded the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Association's second prize.

Professor Mei Linqi, head coach of the university's dragon dance team, surprised the students with his presence during training. His guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in nurturing the young talent, such as Lhakpa Chungdak, who impressed everyone with a two-meter leap.

Tenzin Norbu, a student at Donghui Middle School, said he first watched dragon dancing on television, and by becoming a member of the team he is more interested in traditional Chinese culture and has learned the importance of teamwork.

The exchange between the Tibetan youth and students in Hubei University exemplifies the power of cultural connection and mutual learning. Through years of dedicated training and mentorship, these students have honed their skills in dragon and lion dancing, earning recognition from the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Association.

Lu Fanglei, vice principal of Donghui Middle School and a member of the Aid-Xizang Work Team of Hubei, expressed pride in the students' accomplishments.

"The Tibetan children in these dance teams have a special connection to Hubei and Hubei University because of the traditional art, and they have expressed multiple times their desire to visit their teachers' school, and this time their dream has come true," Lu said.

Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn