Ba Duan Jin

Shaolin Ba Duan Jin can be translated as 8 Brocade (Valuable) Exercises. It belongs to the classic repertoire of Qi Gong exercises in the Shaolin Kong Fu. It enhances physical health by stretching muscles and invigorating meridians. During practice, it enables individuals to clearly perceive changes in their breath and muscles.

The class will is taught by Hui Jing, a PhD student at Lancaster University. Hui Jing graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and the University of Roehampton and has several awards in Classical Chinese Dance, Chinese Folk Dance and Contemporary Dance.

For further information about the Ba Duan Jin classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Chinese calligraphy and painting

Chinese calligraphy, shū fǎ, is "the rules of writing Han characters". Chinese painting is known today as "guó huà". They emphasize motion and are charged with a dynamic life. As the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world, calligraphy and painting today are known and learned as important parts of traditional Chinese culture.

Chinese calligraphy course

A 9-week Chinese calligraphy course for all students, staff and members of the public.

Open to beginner and advanced level learners to learn and practice calligraphy together.

Wednesdays, 6.15-7.45pm

From 16 October to 11 December 2024.

For further information about the calligraphy classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Chinese Dance

The classes are taught by dancer, choreographer and theatre producer, Qinwei Li.

Qinwei Li is a graduate from South-Central Minzu University in China and Bath Spa University in the UK, and has a range of dancing experience in the UK and China.

Chinese folk dance classes for children (age 5-11 years old)

Sundays, 1-2pm

From 6 October to 8 December 2024.

Please note that there will be no classes on 27 October and 3 November 2024.

If you would like to register your child for the Chinese folk dance classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Chinese dance classes for adults

Taught by Ms Li Qinwei, the course includes Chinese dance body technique combinations, flexibility training, and selected excerpts from the renowned classical dance drama “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting” (Zhi Ci Qing Lv). Inspired by the iconic “A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains”, this dance embodies the harmony between humans and nature through the elegance of Chinese classical dance. Since its debut, the production has garnered widespread acclaim, blending traditional aesthetics with modern stagecraft and captivating audiences worldwide.

Join us for an immersive dance journey, where you can experience the beauty of Chinese culture and the elegance of traditional dance right here in the UK.

Sundays, 2.15-3.45pm

From 20 October to 8 December 2024.

Please note that there will be no classes on 27 October and 3 November 2024.

If you would like to register for the Chinese dance classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Lancaster Chinese weekend classes for children

Weekly Chinese Mandarin language, culture and arts and crafts activities for all children aged between 5-11 years old.

Sundays, 10am-12pm

From 6 October to 15 December 2024. Please note that there will be no classes on 27 October 2024.

Beginner and advanced classes available.

If you would like to register your child for the Lancaster Chinese weekend classes for children, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Chinese Opera

The 9-week culture course introduces some basic knowledge of Chinese opera, mainly with the example of Peking Opera, ‘the quintessence’ of Chinese culture and ‘World Intangible Cultural Heritage’.

The course aims at supporting learners to learn about some core pats of Chinese traditional culture that are still embedded in the contemporary China, and enabling learners to gain knowledge and skills of cross-cultural communication.

Qinghong (Amy) Zhang, the course convenor, has extensive cross-cultural communication experience including successful teaching experience in both the Confucius Institute and the UK Higher Education. Amy also has a strong link with the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, the most prestigious institute of Chinese opera study and creation globally.

For further information about the Chinese opera classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art practised for both its health benefits and defence training which has its roots in Taoism. It combines profound principles, theories and martial art techniques. It is the cultivation of one's internal energy, mind and the physical body that makes it so unique and challenging.

Qimei Li is a keen amateur practitioner of Yang-style Tai Chi who has practised on and off for more than 20 years. She teaches Tai Chi in Lancaster on behalf of Lancaster University Confucius Institute. Qimei grew up in Taiyuan, Shanxi where her father, Yuming Li, was a teacher of Tai Chi for more than 30 years, achieving Master status. Qimei enjoys practicing and teaching Tai Chi because it is a good way to improve circulation, flexibility and to let go of stress.

Tai Chi Classes

Fridays, 12.15-1.00pm at Garstang Arts Centre

From 4 October to 13 December 2024.

Please note that the class will not take place on 25 October and 22 November 2024.

Registration: Tai Chi classes

Please note: To register for this class you must be a member of Garstang Arts Centre. For further information about membership, please contact Garstang Arts Centre.