Photo by Yun Fei

In a remarkable spirit of international cooperation, China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC), along with American partners, Celebrating Children: U.S. and China (CCUC), joined hearts and hands to sponsor the June 2011 Tour of the American Young Artists to China. At the invitation of Mr. Feng Yuan, Vice President of CFLAC, this delegation of 50 American performers visited China for two weeks to share insights into the American culture and to build bonds of friendship. 

Photo by Li Xiaoyuan

Photo by Li Xiaoyuan

Only 18 months earlier in February 2010, the CCTV Galaxy Children’s Choir from Beijing and a troupe of Inner Mongolian dancers and musicians from the University of Inner Mongolia spent two weeks in America on a performing tour sponsored by these two organizations. During this tour, wonderful friendships were built. Many performances of beautiful Chinese music and spectacular dance numbers were presented to thousands of Americans in more than a dozen performances and to millions in an international broadcast audience when they sang with the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  

During that tour, many remarkable cultural exchange activities left deep impressions. Fortunately, many of the highlights of this cultural exchange tour were captured in a documentary that was recently broadcast internationally. Since the many tearful goodbyes were said last year, plans were made to bring these youth performers from China and from the United States back together. Leaders of both CFLAC and CCUAC worked tirelessly both in China and in the United States for more than a year to prepare for this special reunion tour. In addition to cultural exchange, the American youth would provide a stage performance designed to share American culture in three Chinese cities: Beijing, Hohhot, and Hangzhou.  

In designing the show, the American organizers recognized the importance of preparing not only a world-class production, but creating a show that would include a Chinese cast from each city to exemplify the show’s message of friendship and international harmony. Mr. Paul Winkelman, a talented director, producer and choreographer volunteered his efforts. Formerly a choreographer with the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and the 2004 Athens Greece Olympics, his extensive experience in theatre and stage production allowed him to combine the talents of American youth dancers and singers, ages 15-19 with videography, narration, costumes, and lights into a 90-minute musical extravaganza that was impressive to Chinese audiences. 

The American cast consisted of a 24-member formation dance team from the state of Idaho, as well as ballroom dance soloists and an eight-member vocal team from the state of Utah. These youth rehearsed and performed music and dance from many different styles and time periods in American history. In addition to the musical journey through time, the program also highlighted various themes important to both cultures, such as family and friendship. While the stage production had the objective of sharing the best of American culture with a Chinese audience, the opportunity it presented for cultural exchange was one of its most exciting elements. A cast of more than 50 Chinese performers from each city, including singers and dancers were chosen months before the tour. For example, in Beijing, the CCTV Galaxy Children’s Choir reunited with their American friends from the previous tour for the finale number. In Inner Mongolia, Chinese dancers from the same dance troupe that had visited the U.S. performed the traditional “Horse Dance” that had been performed numerous times in the U.S. tour the previous year.  

One of the most touching moments of the show came near the end of the performance as the 35 young American performers were paired on stage with 35 young Chinese performers from each local city all dressed in white. Together, they sang, “We’re Not that Different After All.” The song’s lyrics reminded the audience that despite differences in culture, we really aren’t that different and that we can each see the good shining from one another’s eyes. In this stirring number, these marvelous youth from both nations reminded us that peace begins as we reach out to one another and that cultural divides can be bridged through friendship. 

Also, in each city two couples dancing Latin ballroom were invited to join with the Utah ballroom soloists in the number called, “Two Worlds, One Family.” At first the American couples and Chinese couples danced together on the same stage; later in the number, the American dancers each took a Chinese partner to complete the dance, symbolizing the importance of cooperation between the youth of our two nations. Many friends were made backstage as the youth worked together to rehearse for each performance.  

In addition to the successful stage productions, the American youth had many opportunities to share their talents with the Chinese people. For example, often when they were touring famous sites, they would find an open area where they could share with the local people their energy, enthusiasm and love for dance and song. As a result, they gave spontaneous performances at the Summer Palace, in Taoranting Park, on the Great Wall, outside the Bird’s Nest—and even in the rain outside a shopping mall in Hangzhou. On each occasion, the local crowds responded enthusiastically with smiles, applause and by taking many photos. 

In addition to the spontaneous cultural exchange opportunities, many formal exchanges were also planned. For example, host families were recruited from Beijing No. 161 High School. Each of the American students was “adopted” for four days by a wonderful Chinese family. These families took them into their homes and gave them many incredible opportunities to experience China from the Chinese perspective. Some of the deepest impressions of the tour came from the friendships created with these school children and their families during the host experience. The young American performers also participated in a meaningful school exchange with Fuyang High School students. They also experienced a memorable day playing outdoor games with Inner Mongolian youth on the Grasslands. They were hosted at banquets where they were able to sit with their Chinese counterparts. In short, every day of the tour offered rich opportunities to make a new friend. 

These wonderful, impressionable youth from both countries, in both the 2010 American Tour and the 2011 Chinese Tour, were introduced to one another’s culture in a way that helped them broaden their perspectives. For example, while our organization provided culture classes and orientation sessions to prepare the performers for this tour, nothing taught them about Chinese culture like standing on the Great Wall. Nothing taught them joy like watching an older generation doing Tai Chi and social dance in the open parks and squares. Nothing taught them respect like observing the traditions of the Orient that reverence ancestry. Nothing taught them the values of generosity and sacrifice like the host family experience did. There is simply no adequate substitute for having the first hand experiences and there is no better way for youth to build lasting international friendships than to be together, sharing art and culture in one another’s countries.  

Although they visited foreign soil to be ambassadors for their own native land, each performer came home as an ambassador for the country and culture they visited. These American youth went to China eager to give the Chinese a gift by sharing their talents. However, it soon became apparent that a gift was coming back to them through the friendship, warmth and hospitality of every Chinese person they met. Our performers experienced Chinese culture at its best and came home with a love for the people that will always make them ambassadors for China among their friends and fellow citizens in the United States of America. 

In conclusion, thanks to the remarkable efforts of CFLAC and the fruitful cooperation between our two organizations, these American youth have received unforgettable impressions that will always endear them to the people of China. Although the final performance created a time of many tears of farewell, the adventure of their two-week visit to China and the doors of possibility it has opened for their future is just beginning. 

Photo by Li Xiaoyuan

Photo by Li Xiaoyuan

Photo by Li Xiaoyuan