China Night 2010 to be Kicked off in Columbia, Missouri

The long-awaited China Night 2010: A Showcase of Classical & Contemporary Chinese Culture is coming to Jessie Auditorium on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia on Saturday, February 13 at 7pm. This is the fourth year that the Friendship Association of Chinese Students and Scholars (FACSS) has organized this wonderful international cultural exchange event in mid-Missouri.

February 13th is a special day for Chinese this year because it is the Chinese New Year’s Eve - the biggest and most important festival in China. As a tradition, family members gather on this day to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For Chinese individuals studying and living in Columbia, attending China Night at Jessie Auditorium will provide an alternative for those who cannot spend this holiday with their families. This year is the first time that the FACSS has ever hosted China Night on the momentous Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Showcasing gorgeous Chinese performing arts rooted in more than 5,000 years of Chinese history, China Night 2010 is sure to be an awesome show for everyone. Chinese culture and folk art will be presented through traditional Chinese dance, diverse regional folk dance, instrumental performances such as Guzheng, a modern Chinese crosstalk (Xiangsheng), a Diabolo performance, a Chinese magic show, a martial art demonstration, and vocal performances. China Night 2010 is a fantastic opportunity for Columbians to sample the distinguished Chinese culture. It is a night that you won’t want to miss!

This Chinese New Year’s gala, co-directed by Li Yang, Meng Jian, and Fei Gao, is a result of the untiring work of the FACSS committee members and the dedication of all the performers. We are thrilled that many more undergraduate students are taking part and playing primary roles in China Night 2010 comparing to the previous China Night events. The FACSS would also like to thank the many generous and warm-hearted organizations and businesses on and off campus who have contributed to this event; without their support, China Night 2010 would not be possible. Thank you!

This two-hour performance is free to everyone and the public is warmly welcome to attend. Seats are limited, however, and on a first-come, first-served basis. The show will also be streamed live online at www.MUChinaNight.org. See you there!