Celebrating 15 years...

So happy anniversary from the university here in China! Blue Sky celebrated its 15th anniversary today, which sort of seemed like celebrating the founding of a country.

People have an amazing amount of respect and reverence for the president of this university, which has over 50,000 students. Apparently the president has a rags-to-riches type story. He was born poor and crippled, but started a business and became a millionaire. He is also one of the delegates to the government's People's Congress or something. In addition, he carried the Olympic torch when it came to Jiangxi, etc. The school and people in this area love him. For example, at the sport meet all the banners said something like, "Be like the Blue Sky president, and try your best!"

So he helped open the 15th anniversary performance at the new campus today, which was a spectacular and over-the-top event. When we arrived at the theater, we walked through a tunnel of police and military officers. They actually saluted when we walked between them. It was a very formal and special occasion. First we listened to the usual speeches from various officials for half an hour. We had to buy tickets, which didn't necessarily mean you got a seat, so there were lots of people standing along the walls and in the aisles.

The performances were quite unique. There were some amazing dances, songs, and costumes, most of which were very symbolic of something. There were dancers dressed as diligent students, singing the praises of the school. There were dancers who sang about the school and China, while very dramatic pictures and music played in the background. There were nurses who walked on stage while the blasting music made sure you felt how important and meaningful this noble profession was. Then there was what we called, "the army ballet." Some really good dancers in spandex army clothes danced. The stars of this piece were two comrades who had red berets and they helped each other get through every battle. There was also a dance honoring the spirit of the people during the Sichuan earthquake of May. Then they played music and showed pictures of disabled students smiling--two of which were my students. Those students have to struggle in a country where virtually nothing is handicapped accessible.

Once and a while during the three hour show, a very Western dance of some kind was performed, probably better than anybody in the West could do. After the army ballet, about two dozen guys dressed in baggy pants and jerseys break danced, and the crowd went wild. Then it was back to positive feelings about China and the university with additional dramatic dances.

During the whole event, there was plenty of banners, glitter, confetti, loud music, and smoke. And to wrap up the whole event, girls with university flags tied to their arms danced with lots of emotion. The gigantic video screen in the back showed a Chinese video at the same time with soldiers marching, tanks rolling through streets, and rockets being launched.

Well, this is probably my last blog entry for a few days. I leave tomorrow for the southern city of Xiamen. Thanks as always for your thoughts! Let me know if I can be thinking of you in a specific way.