BGHS Mandarin Students to Mark Chinese New Year

and John Hersey High School's Mandarin Chinese programs will bring performances to their schools' theaters in February. 

On Feb. 2, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, Buffalo Grove High School will host Chinese martial arts experts from Bei Dou Kung Fu during two class periods of the day, with an hour in between to allow the athletes to recover from their strenuous, high-energy performances.  

On Feb. 6, during two lunch periods, Hersey's theater will be the site of another performance from the same troupe of high-ranked professionals. Students at both schools will be able to relate this experience to their historical, cultural, and Manadarin Chinese studies. The Chinese Lion Dance is key to the Chinese New Year celebration and brings blessing to the schools and their students, according to Buffalo Grove Mandarin teacher Caili Chiu, and her Hersey counterpart, Melissa Moy. Attendance is mandatory for all Mandarin and world history classes, but the exhibition is open to the entire staff and student body at both schools. 

Bei Dou Kung Fu brings the experience and knowledge of traditional Chinese Martial Arts to the United States. The Masters at Bei Dou are from the best Martial Arts universities in China and have performed, competed, and coached in international competitions. Both the BGHS and Hersey performances consist of the Lion Dance, a Kung Fu demonstration and student participation. 

The Lion dance is headed by Master Liu, the World Champion master in International Lion and Dragon Dance. He participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics (Special Wushu Performance) and earned 1st place in the International Lion and Dragon Dance Championship.

Master Li received meticulous guidance and instruction from Jet Li's former coach, Wu Bin. In 2003, she also served as the Wushu coach for the movie "House of Flying Daggers." She personally trained the actress Zhang Ziyi (actress for "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon") and Hong Kong pop star and actor Andy Lau in preparation for their roles in the film. Master Li is currently recognized as a National First Class Wushu Judge by the Beijing Sports Bureau. She is also a certified member of the National Wushu Association of China and the National Wushu Association of the United States.

Master Si is a 32nd Generation Shao Lin Disciple, receiving the highest possible praise from his masters. He has represented the Shaolin Temple in numerous performances and events around the world, promoting Shao Lin Kung Fu and Chinese culture in general. 

Master Li is a Yi Ji (Top Level) Wushu athlete and holds an official China Wushu Association Fifth Duan Degree (5th Degree Blackbelt). He is well recognized for his contributions to and achievements in the field of Wushu.

— Submitted by School District 214