During November 19-28, 2011, the Wushu and dragon dance delegation from Jiangxi Normal University (JXNU) trouped in Madagascar. During the visit, the troupe presented 5 performances in Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa, with a large audience of 5000, demonstrated Chinese Wushu and promoted Sino-African cultural exchanges.

Ambassador gave a welcome reception for the delegation and arranged first performance

Learning JXNU Wushu and dragon dance delegation’s visit to Madagascar, Chinese ambassador to Madagascar, his excellence Shen Yongxiang gave a welcome reception for the delegation and arranged its first performance in Chinese embassy in Antananarivo. The performance was presented on the 20th of November, local Chinese, members of the association of students studied in China, all diplomats from Chinese embassy, and mandarin teachers in Malagasy capital Antananarivo, all together 200 people were present in the first performance.

the delegation performing in Chinese embassy in Madagascar

Ambassador Shen praised the performance as short but exciting, he stressed that Chinese embassy will further collaboration with Confucius Institute to promote Chinese culture in Madagascar. After the presentation, ambassador Shen had a group photo taken with the delegation and showed the delegation around the embassy yard.

a group photo with Chinese ambassador in Madagascar

The delegation members became stars in local middle school

On the 21st of November, the delegation presented its second show in Antananarivo French School. As the best facilitated and largest middle school in Madagascar, 1700 students of 16 ethnic groups studied in the school. In an effort attract more audience, the school published a poster of the presentation in the website before hand.

When the presentation started, more than 1000 students and teachers poured out of the classrooms and rushed to the sports ground. Touched by the enthusiasm of the audience, the delegation concentrated more on the performance and the exciting show was rewarded with warm applause. During the presentation, 200 students learned to practice Wushu on the sports ground, a spectacle scene. After the performance, the students surrounded the delegation and demanded signature from the players and had group photo taken with them, the members of the delegation thus became stars.

Both Chinese and Malagasy presented on the same stage

On the 23rd of November, the delegation presented its third show in the stadium of University of Antananarivo; President of the University watched the show. During the performance, both Chinese and Malagasy presented on the same stage, the atmosphere was really enthusiastic. Following the rhythm of Malagasy music, local students presented traditional dance to welcome the delegation. Students of Confucius Institute hence performed Taijiquan and Changquan, despite their impropriate poses, their professional spirit won warm applause. While Wushu owns well-deserved reputation, the Thai Boxing presented by the teachers and students of University of Antananarivo was rewarded with loud shouts of applause.

Premier Counselor accompanied the delegation to Fianarantsoa for presentations

During 24th to 27th of November, the delegation travelled to Fianarantsoa, a city of 9-hour drive from Malagasy capital Antananarivo, Chinese Premier Counselor in Madagascar, Madam Wang Hong accompanied the delegation to Fianarantsoa for presentations.

Local Chinese facilitated large-scale performance

Acquainted that JXNU Wushu and dragon dance delegation would presented performance in Fianarantsoa, local Chinese community provided welcome reception for the delegation and facilitated large-scale presentation in the city.

On the 25th of November, the delegation attended the inauguration ceremony of the mandarin nameplate of the Chinese school in Fianarantsoa, and watched the report performance of mandarin program in the school. The delegation presented dragon dance for all the teachers, pupils, student parents, and local Chinese, all together 800 people, after the event.

The last performance was held in the city stadium of Fianarantsoa on the 26th of November. Thanks to the TV, newspaper and street advertisement conducted by local Chinese community, 1600 people were attracted to the show. Local Chinese community presented lion dance to enrich the program and attract more audience. Regional leader of Fianarantsoa and President of University of Fianarantsoa were present in the performance. Local TV programs and newspapers covered the event as well.

Imparting Wushu on rive side

When passing by a remote village, a group of kids swimming in the river arouse the attention of the delegation. Noticing the sports uniform with Chinese national flag, the kids were excited and presented the poses of Wushu. Thereafter, two delegation members stopped to impart the kids Wushu on the river side, attracting many pedestrians to the scene.

Willingness to promote Chinese culture

Within less than 9 days, in addition to its 5 presentations, the delegation exchange wide views with mandarin teachers and local people, and gained more insight into the traditions and customs of the island country. Before departure from Madagascar, the delegation expressed its joint heartfelt wishes to promote Chinese culture.