UG
Ulrich Gall
Huangyao Kindergarten Guoxue Gala
The vibrant scene you've captured appears to be a lively evening event in Huangyao Ancient Town, likely a performance and recruitment gala for a local kindergarten. While at first glance it might seem like a typical community event, the "Guoxue" or "National Learning" aspect of the kindergarten's name, coupled with the festive atmosphere, offers a fascinating glimpse into a modern trend in Chinese education.
The large banner on the stage, illuminated by bright pink lights, announces "Huangyao Town Bokai Guoxue Kindergarten" and "Artistic Performance and Enrollment Gala." "Guoxue" refers to a resurgence of interest in traditional Chinese culture, philosophy, and classical texts. This often includes subjects like classical Chinese, calligraphy, traditional music, and even Confucian ethics. While a modern kindergarten might seem an unusual place for such traditional emphasis to take center stage, it reflects a growing movement in China to blend traditional values with contemporary education, aiming to instill a sense of cultural identity and moral grounding in young children.
Below the main title, the banner further clarifies: "Organized by: Shangxueyuan Quality Education Chain Institution" and "Undertaken by: Huangyao Ancient Town Bokai Guoxue Kindergarten." The "Shangxueyuan" (尚学苑) likely translates to "Academy of Learning" or similar, indicating a broader educational group. At the very bottom, there's a heartfelt wish, both in Chinese and English: "祝普天下的孩子健康活泼,幸福成长!" which means "Wish all the children in the world healthy and lively, happy growth!" The inclusion of English here is a common practice in China, especially in educational contexts, reflecting a desire for global engagement and potentially catering to a broader audience or highlighting the school's contemporary outlook alongside its traditional focus.
The stage itself, with its lighting trusses and sound equipment, suggests a professional, well-organized event. In the background of the stage, you can see cheerful cartoon characters, including what looks like Winnie the Pooh and a rainbow – a surprising blend with the "Guoxue" theme, perhaps indicating a desire to make traditional learning appealing and fun for young children, or simply embracing popular imagery. Such performances during enrollment events are common in China, allowing prospective students and their parents to see the school's facilities, the children's talents, and the overall educational environment. This blend of modern performance elements, popular culture, and traditional educational philosophy is characteristic of how China navigates its rich cultural heritage in the 21st century.
Kindergarten Show in Huangyao Ancient Town
This is likely a recruitment event for a kindergarten in Huangyao Ancient Town, named "Bokai Guoxue Kindergarten," as indicated by the banner. The text, which combines Chinese and English, announces a "Literary Arts Performance and Enrollment Evening." The kindergarten appears to teach "Guoxue" (国学), a modern movement in China emphasizing traditional Chinese cultural studies, including classical texts, calligraphy, and traditional arts. This approach often integrates a strong patriotic sentiment and aims to instill traditional virtues, sometimes as a counter-balance to Western influence in education. Such events are common for schools to showcase students' talents and attract new enrollments.
Huangyao Kindergarten Performance
This outdoor stage is set up for an event by the "Huangyao Town Bokai Guoxue Kindergarten" (黄姚镇博凯国学幼儿园). It's likely a "Cultural Performance and Enrollment Evening Party" (文艺汇演招生晚会). Guoxue refers to "national studies" or "traditional Chinese culture," suggesting a focus on classical texts, arts, and ethics in the kindergarten's curriculum. Such performances help showcase students' talents and attract new enrollments. The bottom text wishes healthy, lively, happy growth for all children.