The beautiful and vibrant culture of China was brought to the University of Minnesota, Crookston by the Chinese American Association of Minnesota (CAAM) Chinese Dance Theater in late January 2012. The dance theater group, which performed on January 28, 2012 in Kiehle Auditorium, followed a Lunar New Year Dinner served in Bede Ballroom.
Families were encouraged to attend all evening activities which included a dragon dance performed by U of M Crookston students. Following the CAAM Chinese Dance Theater performance, the evening concluded with a ribbon dance workshop.
Chinese dance incorporates a variety of forms and styles of movement derived from 53 diverse ethnic groups’ traditions. It involves not just unique Chinese dance sequences and movements but also the cultural and historical basis of the dances. The CAAM Chinese Dance Theater is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Chinese cultural heritage and enriching a diverse community through the universal language of dance.
The performance at UMC was made possible by the University of Minnesota’s Confucius Institute; U of M, Crookston Concerts & Lectures; and by the grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature.