“Chinese Year” Activity Kicks off in St.Petersburg --Peking University Student Performing Art Troupe St.Petersburg Tour proves to be a Complete Success

Jan.25th, St. Petersburg—In the evening, a Peking University Students’ Performing Art Troupe St.Petersburg Tour was launched at the Youth Palace in Vasilevsky district, it was hosted by Hanban & the Confucius Institute Headquarters, co-organized by the Chinese Consulate-General in St. Petersburg and the Confucius Classroom at the Private Educational Institution. Nearly 600 people, including those from various circles, overseas Chinese students and Chinese nationals enjoyed the performance.

Madam Shayidaluowa(pinyin), first deputy chief of Vasilevsky district, Prof. Yang He, Vice Secretary of CPC Committee of Peking University and Tian Erlong, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in St. Petersburg attended the event giving warm speeches. Madam Shayidaluowa extended welcomes on the arrival of the art troupe and stressed the importance of culture and art in promoting Sino-Russian mutual understanding and respect. Consul General Tian Erlong said cheerfully: “Following 2009’s Russian year in China, the 2010 ushers in the Chinese year in Russia, during which a series of activities will be held thank to the cooperation of the two countries. The Peking University Performing Art Troupe tour was the first large scale event held in 2010, marking the start of Chinese year in Russia.

Peking University Students’ Performing Art Troupe along gave a performance alongside St.Petersburg’s young students. The Russian young students staged Russian folk dance and songs, whilst Chinese students from the art troupe performed entertainment programs with strong Chinese folk characteristics. Moreover, joint performances of folk music, martial arts, calligraphy given by both the Russian and Chinese students making for a visual feast for the audience, among which Ke Xiusha, a year two grade primary student showcased calligraphy skills she has picked up at the Confucius Classroom, expressing the common wish of the Chinese and Russian youths—to create a positive future and strengthen friendships together.