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.

Lent Term Ba Duan Jin Classes

Thursdays, 12.00-1.00pm

From 16 January to 20 March 2025

Registration: Ba Duan Jin classes for beginners

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.

Lent Term Chinese Calligraphy Classes

Wednesdays, 6.15-7.45pm

From 15 January to 19 March 2025

Registration: Chinese calligraphy classes

Chinese Dance

The dance classes at Lancaster University Confucius Institute are taught by Qinwei Li, a dancer, choreographer and theater producer.

Qinwei graduated from South-Central Minzu University, China and Bath Spa University, UK. Qinwei has danced for a variety of performances across the UK and China. In 2024, Qinwei directed the CSSA (Chinese Student and Scholars Association UK) Chinese New Year Celebration in London, and has also planned and directed the opening ceremony of the 2020 Liuzhou International Water Carnival in China.

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

Sundays, 1-2pm

From 12 January to 23 March 2025

Please note that the class will not take place on 16 February 2025 due to the school half term holidays.

Registration: Chinese dance classes for children

Chinese folk dance classes for adults

Sundays, 2.15-3.15pm

From 12 January to 23 March 2025

Please note that the class will not take place on 16 February 2025

Registration: Chinese folk dance classes for beginners

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.

Beginner and advanced classes available

Sundays, 10am-12pm

From 12 January to 23 March 2025

Please note that there will be no classes on Sunday 16 February 2025 due to the school half term holidays.

Registration: Lancaster Chinese weekend classes for children (5-11 years old) Lent Term

Chinese Opera

The 10-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 how to listen to Chinese opera and about some core parts 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 this class, 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 10 January to 21 March 2025.

Please note that the class will not take place on 24 January and 28 February 2025.

Registration: Tai Chi | Lancaster University Online Store

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.