More than 220 guests enjoyed taking part in a social dancing and live music event – known in Scotland as a Ceilidh – hosted by Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC, back in April. Held in association with the Hainan Campus Bureau (HCB), who oversee the island's 'Hainan Li'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone', it certainly made a lasting and positive impression on all who attended.

A large gymnasium provided by Beijing University of Sports, became a ballroom for the evening, with students and staff dressed to impress. Many looked magnificent in their finest evening gowns and suits. Some added fitting Scottish touches, wearing tartan sashes, scarves, and even kilts.

Hainan Ceilidh dancers link hands

Guests included staff and students from several other partnership colleges resident at the pilot zone. These were the Alberta International School of Recreation, Sport and Tourism of Beijing Sport University; Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences; Middlesex College at Minzu University of China; Coventry College, Communication University of China; Hainan International College of Beijing Language and Culture University, and Queen Mary School Hainan, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

Ceilidh dancers and instructor Sandra on stage

Food and drinks themed around both partner countries were on offer at a beautifully presented buffet, organised by Hainan-based administrative staff, who had promoted the event across multimedia platforms with remarkable success. Mr Yang Wang from the HCB, and Mr Yinghua Wang from UESTC Hainan gave short speeches.

Hainan Ceilidh promo poster

Four pairs of lead dancers from the partnership universities and the HCB played crucial roles in encouraging other attendees to find their feet. Thanks are due to:

  • Xiaoxiao Jin & Liaoyan Gan
  • Eoin Clark & Lang Hu
  • Robert Partridge & Yaya Yan
  • David Young & Kehui Yang

Ms Lang Hu acted as MC throughout the night, while Ms Sandra Hynes (visiting from Glasgow) was also on hand to guide everyone through the basics of some traditional dances. These included Strip the Willow, the Gay Gordons, and the Virginia Reel. In the end, all linked arms to dance in a circle, symbolising friendship, unity and continuance. This, Sandra told them, was all about having fun! Nobody should feel embarrassed!

The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Sympony Orchestra did a wonderful job of learning traditional Scottish country dancing music, setting a fast tempo just about matched by the high energy of the dancers. Those performing were the orchestra's principal members, who collectively have a rich experience in live show performance. Its two conductors, experienced in band direction and stage performance, recently guided them to win first prize (Instrumental Group A) in the 5th and 6th National College Students Art Exhibition.

Ceilidh band in Hainan

During breaks from the main dances, ‘Beach Camel’, a student pop band from Glasgow College Hainan, performed a more modern mixture of original songs and cover versions. Their version of the Beatles ‘Hey Jude’ had some members of the audience singing along to its unmistakable outro.

All staff involved in the event felt immense pride knowing that this was the first time such a gathering had taken place. Indeed, the Ceilidh was considered so prestigious, that a social media post by the Hainan Campus Bureau (HCB) was 're-tweeted' by Xinhua Net, the biggest press agency in China. It seems assured that more such events involving educational partnerships across the island will follow.

First published: 18 August 2024

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电子科技大学格拉斯哥海南学院 (uestc.edu.cn)

Local news story about the Ceilidh

Integrate Chinese and foreign friends with dance (qq.com)

Hainan releases plan to attract foreign universities (www.gov.cn)