Jiangpu Shoushi (a special, local dance involving hand-held lion apparatuses made of bamboo and linen) was shortlisted for the closing ceremony of Nanjing Youth Olympic Games early this June.
Originating from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851-1864), Shoushi dance was created by the soldiers of the Taiping army stationed in the Yongning area. The dance was used for body building purposes as well as enhancing celebrations with local residents. It has been preserved by Chinese society and is still commonly used for celebrations and entertainment during the holiday seasons.
61 students from the New Century Primary School of Pukou District have rehearsed the dragon-dance for two months in preparation for the YOG closing ceremony. The little dancers’ imperfect sense of rhythm and the tiring, high-intensity training, has led to difficulty during rehearsals. However, the students have learnt a great deal through their painstaking experience.
Many have said that their physical quality had improved immensely through the long rehearsal sessions. They have also expressed that they are very happy to play with their dancing partners on a daily basis.
