Cantonese Talk & Taste, Thu Apr 10

This is an afternoon of light hearted introduction to “swing” Cantonese around the food theme courtesy of Mencius Society for the Arts! With Prof K.K. Chui (NYU Asian Studies Department, cultural anthropologist Julie Tay & down home ABC Chef of Hip Hop Chow Eric Kwan, participants will explore the gusto and humor of Cantonese culture with focus on taste, texture & smell. Admission is Free. Apri 10, Thu 3:30-4:30P. For reservations, visit “Arts & Culture” at our online Classroom/Store.

Young Musicians Recital - Apr 27th

A Student-Teacher Effort of AiCenter & Mencius Societyf for the Art, Su 2:30-4:00P. As per Mencius tradition, our western music students will present a mixed recital of guitar, violin, piano and flute together with their teachers, Jason Cady (guitar, piano), Cody Geil (violin), Joyce Leonard (violin), Steve Gauci (saxophone, flute, piano) and Xiannian Xiao (piano, drums). Performing students will receive level certificates and a reception follows. This open house event is also an opportunity for visitors to get to know our youth music & arts program. Priority seating to performers’ families. For reservation, visit our online course registration and store and go to “Arts & Culture”. Suggested Donation: $10.

Summer Study in China at last! - Jun 30-Aug 1

Immersion Study in China is happening this summer! AiCenter is organizing a mixed group of arts and language students for a 4 week summer trip to Hebei China. This program will reside with the Hebei Professional Arts Academy in Shi Jia Zhuang City. As per tradition, our China study program will uniquely combine the intensive study of Mandarin Chinese with a structured study program in Chinese music, theater, art or kungfu. Not quite the typical tourist trip, this program offers planned participation in all aspects of Chinese culture through performances, language partnering, games, sports and socializing in the rhythm of real-life China. Jun 30 through Aug 1. Application Deadline: May 15th. Cost (excluding airfare): $2800. Call the Center for details at 212-431-7373. Or look for our online posting under “Study in China”  in Classroom/Store.

Chinese Writing for Health! - May 11th

In line with a culture that can turn written characters into an altar of worship, this seminar session demonstrates the direct nourishment of the Chinese brush to body and mind. Come survey what Chinese calligraphy is all about from the flickering of your fingers to the flow of the character finally resting in the satisfaction of  balance and quiet deliberation. Participants can learn to write their heart-felt wishes and come away energized in a new state of mindfulness. No prior knowledge of Chinese required. For details, visit “Arts & Culture” at our online Classroom/Store.

Nonya Food Talk & Taste - Apr 26th

Come explore with Singaporean practical anthropologist Julie Tay the unique flavors & ways of her native Peranakan/Nonya Chinese culture (drawing on inter-mingling w/polynesian elements). This afternoon offers a discussive window into the unique culture & spices of post colonial Singapore-Malaysia along chewing on S.E. Asian snacks & pithy slang from a mixture of Chinese dialects & Malay. (Admission: $38.00. Minimum 3 to start.) For reservation call 212-431-7373 or visit “Arts & Culture at our online Classroom/Store.