- News
- Events
-
- Conferences
- Videos of Past Events
- LRCCS Photo Contest
- Search Events
- CHOP | China Ongoing Perspectives Film Series
- Winter 2026 - Dancing with the Dragon
This winter semester, the University of Michigan welcomes a spectacular, semester-long program celebrating the artistry, tradition, and collective spirit embodied by the dragon in Asian tradition—an iconic symbol of inclusivity, strength, and courage.
Renowned international artist Zhen Guo, will be partnering with students, faculty, and volunteers to co-create a striking full-body dragon sculpture from recycled materials for use in the traditional "dragon dance." In addition, students and volunteers will have the opportunity to practice music and choreography for use in performances scheduled around campus, public art sites and community festivals. This newly imagined U-M dragon, with its futuristic flair, technological creativity and sustainable materials, invites students and the entire community to re-envision a classic cultural symbol for contemporary times.
Winter Semester 2026
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
RCARTS 270
Build the serpentine body of the dragon
RCMUSIC 352
Create one-of-a-kind found art instruments to accompany the dragon’s dance
RCMUSIC 321
Chinese music ensemble
SMTD PAT 413/513
Explore the dragon’s sonic properties—voice, movement, and character
Clothing Drive
Help bring spirit and scales to the dragon: donate t-shirts and blue jeans. Boxes will be located at the Residential College and International Institute, 4th floor.
Public Lectures
Attend lectures on Feb 4 and 5 to learn about Guo’s trajectory as senior feminist artist and explore why the dragon is such an inspiration in visual and musical arts.
Dragon Dance Performances
Attend a performance on April 6, 10 or 11 at Hill Auditorium, FullMoon & FestiFools, and art sites including the Maya Lin Wave Field and David Barr’s “Liberation” sculpture. There will also be a sneak peek dragon viewing at the Residential College on Feb 17.
Dancing the Dragon
Train with Golden Dragon Kung Fu Learning Academy in March—volunteers are welcome! Contact: chinese.studies@umich.edu for scheduling details and participation.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.
Organized by the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies/International Institute, supporting partners and generous contributors include Global Engagement; Center for World Performance Studies; Residential College; School of Music, Theatre and Dance; Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments; ArtsEngine, and Institute for Women’s and Gender Studies.
