The 2011 Chinese Talent Show took place in LSE's Old Theatre last Saturday, October the 1st. The event, sponsored by Confucius Institute for Business London (CIBL), featured performances from a diverse group of performers including business experts, academics and Chinese language students. Across the globe people are displaying a growing interest in Chinese culture. The diversity of the performances in the talent show are proof of this interest as the audience were treated to: poetry, dance, music, martial arts, amongst many others. The wonderful singing by Kathy Heading (Finance and Operations Manager HSBC), the moving poetry reading by Nicola Liu (Norton Rose Editorial Manager), the stimulating Chinese jokes provided by professor Athar Hussain (LSE Asia Research Centre Director) ,the amazing performance of a Chinese traditional instrument, Erhu, by our student Daniel Spalding and the fantastic calligraphy demonstration by Edward Hamand are clear examples of the affection people have for Chinese culture.
The guests of honour included Dr Kent Deng (Reader in Economic History, LSE) and Mr Qiaofenghe (The first secretary of Education Section, The Chinese Embassy), the former providing the opening speech and the latter presenting the awards at the conclusion. The show provided a wonderful opportunity for students from CIBL to display their talents and their vastly improved Chinese language skills. The show also aimed to promote CIBL's efforts in helping a variety of London citizens improve their Chinese language ability, and the audience were invited to take part in a variety of games and exercises. In this way, CIBL aims to promote the usefulness of learning Chinese, not just with business in mind, but also as a means to broaden one's horizons.
The event had a fantastic turnout and was warmly received by all. The overall success of the event was furthered by the jovial nature of the after-party, as participants and guests mingled long into the evening, creating new and cementing old friendships.(By Daniel Spalding)