The MU Confucius Institute celebrated its fifth birthday with Chinese arts performances on Sunday. Shanghai Normal University students performed martial arts, traditional songs, dancing and music at Jesse Auditorium at MU.
Michael Volz, a board member in MU Confucius Institute, said that cultural events were a great way to attract people to explore another culture.
“The interactions between Chinese and Americans are increasing. So part of the reason for the learning about Chinese culture is so that the Americans communication with Chinese can go more smoothly and be more productive and valuable,” Volz said.
Volz said they have partnered with Shanghai Normal University for five years.
“Part of it is sort of to celebrate that cooperation of five years and with the hope of us then continuing on for more time into the future,” Volz said.
Volz also said that it was a great opportunity to interest more people in Chinese culture.
“It also exposes people who might otherwise not see it to something of Chinese culture make them curious so they can sort of want to learn more about China,” Volz said.
Carol Sterritt said this was her first time to watch a traditional Chinese performance.
“It's interesting to me to see that basically we all have the same feelings, we just express ourselves differently,” Sterritt said.
Sterritt said that after the performance she became more interested in Chinese culture and would like to learn more about it.
