The No. 3 Gymnasium of Hubei University in central China’s Hubei Province recently witnessed the majestic performance of a “Golden Dragon.”

The dragon, measuring more than 10 meters long, danced to rhythmic music, leaping into the air and spiraling across the ground with grace and power, Changjiang Daily reported.

The talented team members included seventh-graders from Donghui Middle School in Lhokha City, Xizang Autonomous Region. This reunion was a special moment as these students, who were taught by a Hubei University support team in 2021, came together to practice dragon and lion dances at the university in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei.

Led by Mei Yijian and Tenzin Rigzang, the team showcased their skills with precision and enthusiasm. Mei Yijian, who will soon begin his third year at Hubei University and is a member of the university’s dragon dance team, adjusted her movements to match Tenzin Rigzang’s height, demonstrating their seamless coordination and dedication to the art.

They were accompanied by six team members from Tibetan herders and farmers communities, including Pema Tashi and Lhakpa Chungdak.

This visit to Hubei was their first trip outside of Xizang and was part of the Hubei-Xinjiang-Xizang Youth Hand in Hand Summer Camp. Nearly 100 Tibetan children participated in this week-long activity.

The traditional dragon and lion dance is a strength of Hubei University and the university team has achieved international success in competitions.

Since March 2021, five graduates from Hubei University have taken turns as coaches for Donghui Middle School’s dragon and lion dance team. From the establishment of the first male dragon dance team to a female dragon dance team, a lion dance team and a ribbon dragon team, over 130 middle school students have received training and some have even been awarded the second prize of the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Association.

Professor Mei Linqi, head coach of the university’s dragon dance team, surprised the students with his presence at the training. His guidance and encouragement were crucial in nurturing young talents such as Lhakpa Chungdak, who impressed everyone with a two-meter jump.

Tenzin Norbu, a student at Donghui Middle School, said he saw the dragon dance on TV for the first time and as a member of the team, he became more interested in traditional Chinese culture and learned the importance of teamwork.

The exchange between Tibetan youth and Hubei University students illustrates the power of cultural connections and mutual learning. Through years of dedicated training and mentoring, these students have honed their skills in dragon and lion dance and have received recognition from the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Association.

Lu Fanglei, deputy principal of Donghui Middle School and member of the Hubei Aid Xizang work team, expressed pride in the students’ achievements.

“The Tibetan children in these dance groups have a special connection to Hubei and Hubei University because of the traditional art, and they have repeatedly expressed their wish to attend their teachers’ school, and this time their dream has come true,” Lu said.

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