Hillsborough elementary students get schooled on Chinese culture

By Walter O'Brien/NJ.com
on February 03, 2013 at 1:57PM, updated February 03, 2013 at 3:42 PM

Sunnymead fourth graders doing calligraphy.

HILLSBOROUGH - Elementary students at borough schools had the opportunity to experience Chinese culture first hand thanks to an extended visit from the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.

The Sunnymead Elementary School held a school-wide assembly Tuesday featuring the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company of Fort Lee to help students incorporate Chinese culture into their studies, including learning calligraphy in art classes and singing Chinese songs in music classes, according to Kia Bergman, community outreach coordinator for Hillsborough Township Public Schools.

The dance company features multi-cultural, interactive dance programs with costumes and props to expose young people to one of the most ancient cultures of the world through music, dance and narration, according to its website.

For nine weeks, the schools' new elementary World Languages Program presented visits from the dance company for elementary students at Amsterdam, Woods Road, and Sunnymeade schools, culminating in the assembly presentation.

Students performed dances with members of the company incorporating Chinese martial arts and a traditional ribbon dance, while helping to reinforce Chinese language studies at the schools.

Nai-Ni Chen Dancer performing for Sunnymead School.

Photos courtesy of HIllsborough Township Public Schools

Link to original article: http://www.nj.com/somerset/index.ssf/2013/02/hillsborough_students_get_scho.html