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- 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 faculty arts lecturer Raymond Wetzel, artist Jeri Rosenberg, students, 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 (faculty lecturer Xiaodong Wei), sound (Asst. Prof. Julie Zhu) and choreography (Golden Tiger Kung Fu Academy) 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.
Clothing & Portrait Drive
Help bring spirit and scales to the U-M dragon in making. Donate t-shirts (especially U-M cast-offs) for the dragon's body! Boxes are located at: International Institute (4th floor), Residential College (main office, 1813 EQ), and Taubman College (Taubman Commons). You can also share a photo with us of someone who you would like to honor or commemorate for a dragon scale.
Public Lectures
Learn about Guo’s trajectory as senior feminist artist and explore why the dragon is such an inspiration in visual and musical arts.
Meet the Artist | Rewriting Power: Zhen Guo's Journey to Feminist Art
Wednesday, February 4
4:00-5:30 PM
Room 2239 Lane Hall
Zoom Webinar
Songs of the Dragon, Images of Fantasy: Music and Visual Arts Re-imagined
Thursday, February 5
7:00-8:30 PM
Keene Theater
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.
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
Presented by the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies. This project was made possible by grants from the University of Michigan Arts Initiative and the Office of the Provost, Global Engagement.
Additional funding was provided by the Center for World Performance Studies, Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments, ArtsEngine, and U.S. Department of Education.
With support from the International Institute, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Residential College, Taubman College, James and Anne Duderstadt Center, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Women’s and Gender Studies Department, and University of Michigan Library.
