Culture

We are not currently offering Tai Chi or Qigong.

Chinese dance is an important part of Chinese culture and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It can help improve coordination, balance and flexibility and is also a fun way to meet new friends.

Traditional Chinese dance takes many forms such as Chinese Folk Dance, which includes Ribbon Dance and Handkerchief Dance, Chinese Fan Dance, Chinese Flag Dance and Kung Fu Dance.

Niu Xiaolin of RedPhoenix Dance aims to promote traditional Chinese dance culture throughout the local area.

Classes are held in the Ferryhill Community Centre, Albury Road, Aberdeen AB11 6TL.

Classes

Chopstick Dance

Wide spread in Inner Mongolia, this dance is often seen at festivals. Dancers stand in one spot and, holding chopsticks in one or both hands, clap their hands, shoulders, waist and legs, with them.

Chinese Folk Dance

Based on traditional ribbon and handkerchief dances

Chinese Lion Dance & Flag Dance

Based on Chinese martial arts movements

Kung Fu Fan Dance

Based on Chinese martial arts, this dance adds beauty to traditional Tai Chi or Kung Fu exercises.

Suitable for all abilities. All courses are free with a £30 per annum administration fee. Register online.

For queries please email us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Free Mandarin conversation practice

• Confucius Institute
• Thursdays (during termtime)
• Time: 5pm-6pm

Learning Mandarin or interested in finding out more?

Practise your Mandarin skills in our free, informal conversation group.

All levels are welcome from beginner through to advanced.

We will have weekly topics for discussion, supplied in advance, to get the conversation flowing.

Our native-speaking volunteers are happy to help with Mandarin speaking practice and answer questions about China.

If you are interested, please email us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk to request the online meeting link.

Native Mandarin speakers

Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you happy chatting about Chinese language and culture? Why not come along to our Chinese Corner and make some new friends. New Mandarin speakers are always welcome.

你喜欢认识新的朋友吗？你对汉语语言和文化有兴趣吗？如果你感兴趣的话，为什么不加入汉语角来认识一些新朋友呢？汉语角对所有母语为普通话的朋友开放。随时欢迎你的加入。

Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is the ancient art of Chinese writing. Classes in Chinese Calligraphy at the Confucius Institute are suitable for both the beginner and improver. With small classes there is plenty of personal attention and printed handouts are provided for home practice.

All materials are provided.

Saturday 22nd March, 10am - 12 noon

Cost: £15

Registration is via the University of Aberdeen online store. Places are limited so advance booking is essential. For queries and to express an interest in future classes please email us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Chinese Brush Painting Workshop - Bamboo

Saturday 8th March, 10am-12 noon

Cost £20

Discover the art of Chinese brush painting by learning to depict bamboo, a timeless symbol of resilience and integrity in East Asian culture. Master the basics of brush techniques, ink, and paper while creating elegant bamboo designs. Gain insight into the cultural and historical significance of this classic art form. Perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts, this workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the beauty of Chinese brush painting. All tools and materials used during the workshop will be supplied.

Register your place here.

Chinese Brush Painting Workshop - Lotus

Saturday 8th March, 1pm-3pm

Cost £20

Experience the harmony of mind and body through Chinese brush painting. With the soft, pointed brush, you’ll develop coordination and focus while creating beautiful artwork. The lotus, a symbol of purity and perfection, is the featured subject in this workshop. Learn key brush techniques with traditional tools and ink, following step-by-step guidance to create stunning compositions. Ideal for all skill levels, this workshop blends artistic practice with cultural insight. All tools and materials used during the workshop will be supplied.

Register your place here.

These workshops are suitable for adults and older children (14 yrs+).

For queries and to express an interest in future classes, please email us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Chinese Craft Corner

Date: Saturday 1st March / 10th May / 7th June  
Time: 10am – 12noon
Location: Ferryhill Community Centre  
Tickets: Free, drop in  

Join us at Ferryhill Community Centre for Chinese Craft Corner! Enjoy a relaxed, free drop-in session with friendly Mandarin teachers, exploring modern and traditional Chinese crafts. All ages and abilities welcome, with materials provided. Unwind, get creative, and meet new people!

Unfortunately, we won't be running Bookbug sessions this term but we hope to be back soon.

Spring Gala Show: A New Year Celebration

Experience the magic of the Spring Festival Gala spectacle. With spellbinding dance routines by RedPhoenix Dance and the powerful artistry of Yee's Hung Ga Kung Fu, our stage will be adorned with the brilliance of Chinese culture. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of traditional Chinese music and in the diversity of Chinese heritage, all in our vibrant Spring Gala Show!

Saturday 24th February, 7.30pm

and

Sunday 25th February, 3pm

Tivoli Theatre

Tickets cost £9 (£4.50 concession) and are available now from Aberdeen Performing Arts.

Spring Festival Family Fun Day

Our Spring Festival Family Fun Day promises something for everyone to enjoy as we usher in the Year of the Dragon.

Participate in the various activities offered by the Confucius Institute, including the art of Chinese calligraphy, traditional games, and crafting vibrant dragon creations. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chinese characters as you create your own masterpiece to take home. Test your skills with chopsticks or feather shuttlecock keepie-uppie and aim for a spot on the leaderboard.

Don one of our charming costumes and capture memories in our photo booth. Engage with the spirit of the dragon by crafting your own dragon mask or paper puppet, celebrating the Year of the Dragon in style. Complete our activity sheet to claim a dragon-themed prize and refuel with delicious noodles from the pop-up Noodle Shack café for lunch.

Delve into captivating dragon tales with local storyteller Pauline Cordiner or add a splash of colour with face painting by Love Rara and much more. And why not make a day of it by visiting the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or recharging at the Sir Duncan Rice Library café.

All are welcome to join us for this enriching event, completely free of charge.

Sunday 18th February 2024

10am - 4pm

Elphinstone Hall

Free / Drop in

Online booking available