BCI Supports Classical Music and Dance Workshops for the Local Community
On 19 January, the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds (BCI) partnered with the Dr Xunnan Li of the "School of Performance and Cultural Industries" and the charity Health for All (Leeds), to support the “Lychee Red Chinese Seniors Project.” Together, they launched a four‑week Chinese classical music and dance workshop series for elderly members of the community. The initiative aimed to help local Chinese seniors engage with traditional Chinese culture and actively promote cultural exchange within the community. The workshops attracted a total of around 120 participants from the local Chinese and overseas Chinese communities.
Jiahui Zhou lead's a dance session
The workshops focused on Chinese classical dance and the guzheng. Through a combination of explanation, demonstration, and interactive participation, the sessions guided attendees to experience the expressive qualities of Chinese dance and the artistic charm of Chinese music in a relaxed and safe environment. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the cultural connotations behind these art forms. The activities provided both physical and mental stimulation for elderly participants, helping improve physical flexibility, enhance emotional well‑being, and encourage social interaction. The atmosphere was truly lively, and participants engaged enthusiastically with very positive feedback.
Lijun Zhang performs on the guzheng
This collaboration has helped us deepen our role in supporting culture and community here in Leeds. At the Business Confucius Institute, we’re proud to be part of local life, not only by offering workshops like this one, but also through our evening and weekend Mandarin classes, a wide range of cultural workshops, guest lectures at the University, and celebrations of festivals such as Chinese New Year and the Mid‑Autumn Festival. We also work closely with local schools, community groups, and businesses to share language, culture, and opportunities for meaningful exchange.
Looking ahead, we’ll continue building these connections, using our strengths in language and cultural education to create more chances for people across Leeds to explore and enjoy Chinese culture. Our aim is to keep growing with the community, supporting local needs, and making cultural exchange accessible, engaging, and welcoming to all.