Vancouver 
Events Description
Come and participate in a special qilin dance 麒麟舞 workshop presented in partnership with the Vancouver Tsung Tsin Hakka Association 溫哥華客屬崇正會 at the Sun Yat Sen Courtyard. The qilins 麒麟, also known as Chinese unicorns, are an integral part of the Hakka 客家 people’s traditional culture. The qilin dance is rare and unlike the Chinese lion and dragon dance and there’s currently a global movement to revive this 450-year-old Hakka tradition, including in Singapore.
In Vancouver, it’s been almost a decade since the Hakka qilins were danced, so we’re excited to reawaken them in Chinatown with you. At the event, you’ll get to see a qilin dance demonstration by a dance master and a new dance team composed of Chinatown community members, learn a bit about the history and culture, and then do the qilin dance yourself!
The Hakka people 客家人 is unique subgroup of Han Chinese people with distinctive language and cultural practices. They are one of the few Chinese subgroups not named after a geographic region as they were historically refugees constantly fleeing social upheaval and genocide. Even though Hakka people are perpetually known as “guests” wherever they are since “Hakka” 客家 literally means “guest family”, there are now Hakka people all over the world, including Vancouver. Despite historical repressions, the Hakka people continue to practice and conserve its unique ancestral traditions to this day, including the qilin dance.
Situated by Chinatown and started in the late 60’s to 70’s, the Vancouver Tsung Tsin Hakka Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing connections within the Hakka community and preserving Hakka culture in Canada. Join us as we celebrate the continuation of Hakka culture in Chinatown through this special event.
This gathering goes beyond just dancing—it\’s a chance to forge connections, pay homage to cultural roots, and reclaim and breathe new life into the public spaces of Chinatown. As a community, we stand united against the encroaching threat of gentrification that looms over our vibrant cultural tapestry. The qilins, symbolic creatures embodying principles of righteousness and compassion, serve as our guiding light in this endeavor. Like the Hakka people continuing the qilin dance to this day, practicing our culture in Chinatown is a powerful statement of resistance against gentrification\’s erosion of cultural heritage.
Let\’s unite to reawaken the qilins, celebrate heritage, advocate for fairness, and safeguard the soul of Chinatown by harnessing the transformative power of dance and the strength of our collective unity.
Everyone is welcome to this all-ages and multilingual event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Amenities:
Snacks and beverages will be provided, courtesy of Chinatown Together throughout the event.
To ensure inclusivity, interpretation for instructions will be available in English, Hakka, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Things to bring:
– Ear protection (There will be portions of the event when it could be loud. We will provide some ear protection, but please bring your own for guaranteed protection)
– Comfortable clothes! Make sure to dress comfortable for movement for this workshop!
– Water to stay hydrated
In the face of ongoing gentrification, it\’s crucial for us to unite in support of our Chinatown, DTES, and shared communities, honor our elders, honour the vast cultural heritage that exists around us, and celebrate our ability to come together for these events.
Through each Chinatown Together event, we are dedicated to backing grassroots efforts, amplifying the genuine voices of our community, reclaiming our cultural roots and safe spaces, and standing firmly united against encroaching gentrification. Celebrating community joy is our most powerful resistance to these forces – let’s come together and celebrate in Chinatown as one!
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets : 0
The event is free!
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date: Saturday April 13, 2024 | 3:30PM-5:30PM
Venue & Address
Sun Yat Sen Courtyard, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
RAIN BACKUP: Chinatown Plaza Mall – 106 Keefer Street
Wheelchair accessible
Street Parking
Accessible by Public Transport
