Celebrating Culture for Foreign Languages Week

Professional performers from Dance China NY and the New York Chinese Cultural Center (NYCCC) brought their artistic talent to Chaminade's Foreign Languages Week.

During a narrated assembly program Wednesday, March 27, students enjoyed the authentic costumes and music of China with a diverse range of performances and language lessons – some of which brought volunteers to the front of the room. Dancers brought time-honored traditions to life with "China Patterns," a Lion Dance, and acrobatics. Student volunteers also tried their hands at plate spinning and ribbon techniques.

Each year, Chaminade celebrates each of the foreign languages it offers with special performances. In 2018, dancers from the New York Center for Flamenco Performing Arts explained the culture of the Spanish tradition. Schola Cantorum reinforced the spiritual history of Latin with choir music in 2017.

"It's important for our students to learn about the history and cultures of the languages they study," explained Mrs. Alanna Kump, chair of Chaminade's Foreign Languages Department. "The people of our world are growing increasingly interconnected, and we have a responsibility to foster an appreciation of customs that identify us and expressions that bring us together."

Under the direction of Mr. Gregory Walsh, the Chaminade Chinese Club has made several visits to the NYCCC in Manhattan. The organization is dedicated to deepening the understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture in the global and local communities.

Foreign Languages Week is also celebrated from a faith perspective; each morning's televised school prayer video is recited in one of Chaminade's academic languages – Chinese, French, German, Latin, and Spanish.

Watch a portion of Dance China NY's performance here: