Dothan students experience Chinese culture

Troy University brought China to the Dothan City Schools on Friday, putting on a song and dance performance intended to broaden students’ horizons.

More than 200 students from the city schools attended a performance at Troy’s Dothan campus by a dance and arts troupe from the Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology.

During the program, students saw traditional Chinese folk and dance performances, musical performances using traditional Chinese instruments such as the pipa and martial arts performances.

According to university officials, the performance was an opportunity for students to get a real-life experience in Chinese language, history and culture.

The program was sponsored by Troy University’s Confucius Institute, which promotes Chinese language instruction and cultural and business exchange with China. 

Learning about the people and culture of China could be important to local students’ futures. China is an important trade partner with Alabama. According to the

Alabama Development Office, two-way trade between Alabama and China totaled about $1.6 billion last year.

“Exchanging ideas is always beneficial,” said Don Jeffries, Troy Dothan vice chancellor. “We’re more alike than we are different.”

Alia Gordon, a Dothan High School student, was impressed by the importance placed upon dance by the performers.

“They express themselves more in dance then we do here in America,” she said.

Shelby Pickett, another Dothan High student said, “I think it’s good that we get to see some of their culture.”

Gayla White, regional development director, said, “This is a great experience for the Dothan City Schools or any school to come and see something different.”