🇬🇧 English Version
CIG Teachers and Students’ Artistic Performance Successfully Concludes the “Happy Spring Festival 2026”
On February 8, 2026, the Chinese Institute Geneva Foundation (CIG) successfully hosted a large-scale artistic performance by teachers and students in Geneva, Switzerland 🇨🇭.
The event was honored to be selected as one of the official cultural activities of the “Happy Spring Festival 2026” series, supported by the Embassy of China in Switzerland and organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Bern.
The theatre was completely full, welcoming over 400 audience members, with more than 150 students taking part in the performances.
On the day of the event, distinguished guests were in attendance, including senior officials from international organizations, diplomatic representatives, heads of international schools, as well as figures from Sino-Swiss business and media circles, creating a dignified and truly international atmosphere.
During the opening ceremony, three guest representatives delivered speeches from perspectives of international cooperation, cultural exchange, and educational partnership, fully affirming the importance of Chinese language education in today’s global context.
Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), highlighted the unique role of language and culture in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing dialogue, and promoting international cooperation, emphasizing the significance of learning Chinese for a comprehensive understanding of China.
Mr. Cui Ke, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland and Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Bern, highly praised CIG’s long-standing efforts in promoting Chinese language and culture in Switzerland and expressed his hope that more young people would come to know, understand, and appreciate Chinese culture through learning Chinese.
Mr. François Latouche, Head of École Moser Nyon, reflected on more than a decade of curriculum cooperation between École Moser and CIG, and affirmed the positive value of this long-term partnership in the practice of intercultural education.
🌙 Dancing the Beauty of China: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
CIG’s traditional Chinese dance class presented the Han-Tang dance “The March of Beauties” and the Mongolian chopstick dance “By the Xini River.”
Inspired by the aesthetics of Tang dynasty music and dance, The March of Beauties showcased the elegance and restraint of classical Chinese dance.
By the Xini River incorporated original choreography by teacher Jiang Wei, infusing traditional rhythms with strong stage presence and vitality.
The children’s dance class delivered a series of diverse and vibrant performances. The hip-hop dance “Great China” ignited the audience with youthful energy; the New Year dance “Joyful Reunion” conveyed a festive and harmonious holiday spirit; while the fan dance “To the Bright Moon” impressed with its graceful movements and distinctive Eastern charm.
The adult Tai Chi class performed “Eight Methods and Five Steps,” demonstrating a balance of strength and softness and revealing the beauty of traditional Chinese martial arts on stage.
🎶 Singing History, Touching Young Hearts
In her heritage language class, teacher Wang Cuizhu integrates Chinese history into music teaching, enabling children to “learn dynasties through songs and understand civilization through the Chinese language.”
The student chorus “The Dynasties Song” vividly illustrated this engaging and educational approach.
🌸 Only Four Months of Learning, Yet Confident on Stage
A class that had studied Chinese for just over four months confidently stepped onto the stage.
Dressed in traditional hanfu, the girls performed the choral song “Your Smile Is So Beautiful.” Their enjoyment of the performance and infectious joy deeply moved the audience, reflecting the confidence and courage fostered through language learning.
🎤 A Stunning Cross-Cultural Moment
Young vocal talent Helena Berger-Paddock took on the challenge of singing the Chinese song “Big Fish” for the first time.
With sincere emotion and a captivating voice, she transcended language barriers through music, creating an unforgettable highlight of the evening.
✨ Diversity in Harmony, A Rich and Colorful Showcase
The children’s Shaolin Five-Step Fist performance, “Shaolin Heroes,” featured a lively rhythm and energetic movements, fully displaying the students’ vitality and strength.
Magic performances, multi-class choral singing, and interactive poetry sessions were interwoven throughout the program, inviting audience participation and allowing everyone to experience the diverse charm of Chinese culture in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere.
CIG’s partner institutions — the French Little Dragon School and the Académie Annecienne de Kung Fu (AAKF) — also delivered impressive martial arts demonstrations, earning enthusiastic applause for their powerful techniques and teamwork.
🇨🇳 A Grand Finale That Brought the House Down
As the familiar melody of “Great China” filled the theatre, 40 students, dressed in traditional Chinese ethnic costumes, took the stage together.
Their resounding voices brought the atmosphere to a climax and provided a magnificent conclusion to the entire performance.
CIG extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved both on and behind the stage, as well as to all guests and audience members for their presence and support.
This event was more than a performance — it was a shared cultural journey created by children, teachers, and families alike.
Following the event, feedback from guests and parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the evening as deeply moving and truly unforgettable.
We look forward to welcoming you again, to reunite once more in the light, music, and shared emotions of Chinese culture.
