On the morning of December 19, teachers and students from Grades 4 and 5 at Shanghai High SHSID Puxi Campus gathered to celebrate an art festival themed "Art in Wonderland." The festival unfolded across three chapters— "Aesthetic in Bloom," "Rhythm with Motion," and "Tempo of Echoes." Bringing together the creativity and inspiration of students and teachers, along with the wisdom and enthusiasm of parents, the event presented a vibrant and immersive audiovisual feast.

As the lights dimmed and melodies gently rose, the school band opened the festival with an original adapted piece, The Fish Who Refused to Grow Up Lively rhythms and crisp instrumental sounds wove together the children's longing for freedom and beauty. Soon after, the children's choir filled the hall with pure, heartfelt voices, like warm winter sunshine, expressing a sincere love for art and instantly igniting the atmosphere. As the final notes lingered in the air, the "Art in Wonderland" Art Festival officially began.

Aesthetic in Bloom

Here, innovation met tradition, and classical elegance blended seamlessly with modern creativity. Energetic dance performances opened the chapter, instantly electrifying the audience. From the driving beats of M.O. to the impressive techniques of Breaking Show and the vibrant energy of Pink Venom, every movement radiated youthful vitality and confidence.

As the mood gently shifted, recorder performances brought a moment of calm and reflection. Daylily flowed with warmth and grace, while If the Moon Doesn't Come sounded clear and ethereal. Fully immersed in their music, the young performers drew the audience into a world of gentle, resonant melodies.

Classical and ethnic styles followed, enriching the stage with cultural depth. Dances such as Ya Li Gu Na, Valiant Young Heart, and Waka Waka energized the audience with joyful rhythms and swirling costumes, vividly showcasing the unique charm of diverse cultures. Chinese dances including An Ode to Spring, Home Through Snow, and Sound That Summons Wonder further deepened the experience, seamlessly blending traditional Chinese culture with expressive movement and allowing the audience to appreciate the richness of ancient civilization through every gesture.

The stage continued to shine with musical theatre and instrumental performances. Excerpts from Stick It to the Man and Playing with the Big Boys featured young actors who captivated the audience with expressive acting and confident singing, earning rounds of enthusiastic applause. In the instrumental segment, young musicians took turns performing on piano and violin, their nimble fingers and solid technique weaving together classical elegance and modern flair, drawing the audience into an immersive musical journey.

Between performances, delightful surprises kept the excitement alive. A young magician amazed the crowd with clever tricks and playful mystery, while the appearance of Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, added warmth and joy. They hosted a suspenseful lucky draw and extended heartfelt New Year wishes to all teachers, students, and parents, filling the hall with laughter and cheer.

Rhythm with Motion

Purity and vitality came together as focus and passion blossomed side by side. A graceful harp solo opened the chapter, its soothing melody flowing gently through the hall. This was followed by the wind band's performance of Do-Re-Mi, whose lively tune was brought to life through the students' coordinated and joyful playing. In the contrast between stillness and movement, the delicate beauty of art was vividly revealed.

Next, the dance Dance Laureate took the stage, skillfully blending traditional elements with modern energy. Its spirited and confident choreography offered a refreshing and memorable performance.A series of dances in diverse styles followed, showcasing the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. When the elegance of ballet met the passion of Latin dance, and when the fluidity of Chinese dance encountered the enthusiasm of ethnic dance, sparks of creativity flew. Dances such as Romping, Plucking Chrysanthemums Beneath the Eastern Hedge, Rainforest, The Joyful Dapu, and Ha Te Er Ya each reflected the dancers' dedication, professionalism, and genuine love for the arts.

The singing performances added warmth and strength to the stage. Songs including Dear Traveler, Wake, and Be What You Wanna Be were delivered with clear, sincere voices, conveying hopes for growth, dreams for the future, and a deep appreciation for life.

Tempo of Echoes

Grandeur and tenderness embraced one another as farewells and hopes led the way forward. The string ensemble opened with Palladio, its powerful and flowing melody filled with emotion and strength. This was followed by a performance by the girls' dance group, whose graceful movements and poetic imagery transported the audience into a serene and refreshing world. The SPDC youth group then brought the atmosphere to a thrilling peak with their energetic and dynamic performance, bursting with youthful vitality.

Parents' performances added a deeply touching moment to the festival. Their heartfelt programs, filled with love and care for their children, brought warmth and comfort to the celebration. Teachers, stepping away from their usual classroom roles, showcased their many talents on stage, earning waves of cheers and applause. Finally, Chinese and foreign teachers, together with the music teachers, took the stage to extend sincere New Year wishes to all students and parents, carrying hopes and blessings for the year ahead.

The Art Festival came to a joyful and successful close. This festival not only provided students with a stage to express themselves and pursue their dreams, but also created a space where Eastern and Western cultures met, and where traditional and modern art coexisted in harmony. Carrying forward the inspiration of art and the richness of culture, we now step together into a new year— one filled with hope, creativity, and promise.

(Written by Cathy Cao

Pictures by Parent Volunteers, Teachers

Reviewed by Ms. Lu Luting, Chenli Shen, Shiyu Wu)