Chinese performance group raising cultural awareness in Saint John
The Jasmine Performing Arts Group will take the stage at the Imperial Theatre on Saturday to promote Chinese culture in Saint John.
Jennifer Qiao, a member of the group, said audiences are in for an authentic Chinese ethnic performance.
"So, what they're going to expect and what they're going to see are the stunning visuals and the cultural experience," Qiao said.
The group is able to put on shows like the one set for Saturday night because the New Brunswick Arts Board has a fund that goes towards different cultures in the province.
Because China is a nation of 56 different ethnic minorities, Qiao said each has its own style of art form, which the group hopes to portray in its performance.
"We are going to present a variety of Chinese ethnic minorities' arts, such as dancing, singing and performances with traditional Chinese music and instruments," Qiao said.
Qiao said the group, which performs regularly once a week, is full of passionate members who enjoy getting together.
She said what she enjoys most is getting to do what she loves and having a sense of community.
"We share something, too. Not only the dance," Qiao said.
"We share about our family life, and food … so it's like a little Chinese community for us so we can still keep our culture in here and we share everything."
Hoping to raise awareness
The group has been all over the province, visiting places such as Grand Manan and St. Stephen and has even been invited to Prince Edward Island.
Now the group's members are hoping to raise awareness about the Chinese community in Saint John, one that is growing quickly.
"There are lots of families, they're immigrants here and the students, too, at UNBSJ. I don't know exactly how many but I know that there are lots of Chinese [people] in here — it's growing," Qiao said.
Winnie Wang, another group member, said she loves the atmosphere that comes with performing in the events, but overall enjoys doing things for the community.
"We feel good, we feel we can do something for the community, not only for us," Wang said.
"We use our hobby to serve to the community. We are happy."
