Grades 9-10 Art Festival

On December 23, students from Grades 9 and 10 gathered to celebrate the annual Arts Festival. The grand event commenced with a heartfelt festive poetry recitation by eight hosts.

The wind orchestra opened the performances with their piece “Jasper-Setting Sail with Dreams.” The woodwinds flowed as lightly as a morning breeze, while the brass section added power with its rich tones, together creating a moving musical piece. As the music swelled and fell, the audience was transported on a journey full of hope, heightening anticipation for the acts to follow.

A variety of performances then took the stage in succession. Instrumental pieces ranged from passionate and powerful to smooth and flowing; dance performances blended grace with strength; vocal acts were both delicate and moving as well as soaring and intense, with emotion overflowing into every corner of the auditorium. It was especially notable that several student bands performed this year, becoming a highlight of the festival. They showcased diverse styles including rock, pop, and original compositions, demonstrating rich musical creativity and strong collaborative spirit.

The Longyin Club, formed by students who love traditional Chinese culture, transported the entire audience into a poetic scene with their classical dance “Hua Xiang Rong.” As the elegant melody of traditional strings and flutes rose, dancers in ethereal costumes moved gracefully under soft lighting. Their movements unfolded like drifting clouds, their steps as light as treading on lotus leaves, and with the swirl of their sleeves, it was as if the mist and moonlight of the glorious Tang dynasty had reappeared on stage.

Under the gentle glow of the lights, the male solo “Gingerbread House” began quietly. His voice was deep and sincere, flowing like moonlight yet warm as a winter hearth, softly conveying a tender and intimate emotion. The melody transitioned naturally between softness and intensity, expressing both vulnerability and comforting warmth, blending seamlessly with the immersive artistic atmosphere of the venue.

A standout highlight was the student-written and directed interdisciplinary play “Xu Guangqi and Matteo Ricci — Court Winds.” The play cleverly integrated mathematical thinking with theatrical expression, unfolding its narrative through precise and tension-filled dialogue. With careful stage direction and layered dramatic conflict, it vividly portrayed the integration of rationality and humanistic spirit within a historical context.

The faculty brought an energetic dance medley, with many teachers with no prior experience stepping out of their comfort zones to showcase their choreographic talents. The foreign teachers then ignited the hall with a joyful rendition of a classic English song. The atmosphere highlighted the spirit of the school community, and the heartwarming on-stage interaction between teachers and students created countless touching memories.

As the festival approached its conclusion, the SPDC Dance Club once again electrified the atmosphere with “JUMP.” The dancers, with precise coordination and dynamic movements, embodied youth, confidence, and passion, captivating the audience with their explosive stage presence.

The student band The Vacuoles brought the Arts Festival to its climax with their performance of “Everlong,” providing a perfect conclusion to the event. The hosts expressed gratitude to all performers, organizers, and volunteers, and extended Christmas and New Year wishes to everyone. From classical pieces to modern popular, this event not only honored the school’s historical legacy but also celebrated the boundless charm of art as a universal language, leaving all eagerly awaiting the wonderful presentations to come next year.

Grades 11-12 Art Festival

On the afternoon of December 23, teachers and students from Grades 11 and 12 gathered in the auditorium for the annual Art Festival. Bringing together a wide range of artistic forms, the festival celebrated creativity, passion, and the shared spirit of the graduating classes. A total of thirty-three performances—including wind ensemble, magic, dance, vocal music, and drama—took the stage, showcasing the students’ talent while reflecting the strong sense of community between teachers and classmates. The result was a lively and memorable showcase of youth and artistry.

The Wind Ensemble began “Ascentium”. With powerful, rising melodies, the performance set the tone for the afternoon and marked the official start of the Art Festival.

Energy filled the stage as students presented a series of dynamic performances. The magic act “Fortune in Motion” impressed the audience with quick, skilful transformations, drawing gasps and applause. This was followed by the dance “Like Jennie”, whose sharp movements and confident style captured the students’ boldness and energy.

Singing and dance continued to build excitement throughout the program. Performances such as “Lose”, “The Next Dance”, and “How Far We’ll Go” blended emotion with melody and movement, embodying students’ hopes and expectations for the future. Band performances brought the atmosphere to a peak, with “Just the Two of Us” offering a relaxed jazz feel, “It’s On” delivering high-energy rock, and “Goodbye” closing the set with a softer, more reflective tone. Together, these performances highlighted the students’ musical range and artistic creativity.

Two prize-draw segments added moments of excitement between performances. The principal and teacher representatives invited lucky audience members on stage to receive customized art merchandise and graduation-themed gift boxes, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged.

The students also showcased a balance between traditional and modern expression. The choir’s performance of “What a Wonderful World” created a warm, calming atmosphere, while street dance pieces “With the IE” and “Humble” brought stunning choreography and strong stage presence. In contrast, the classical Chinese dance “Hua Xiang Rong” featured flowing movements and elegant visuals, offering a graceful interpretation of traditional aesthetics.

Instrumental and vocal performances further enriched the festival. The string ensemble’s “Three Movements of Strings” demonstrated precision and musical depth, while the “The Yellow River Piano Concerto, Movement IV: Defend the Yellow River” stood out for its scale and intensity, drawing a strong emotional response from all of the audience. Western music selections such as “Space Between” and “Running Up That Hill” added variety and reflected the students’ international outlook.

As the festival neared its conclusion, emotion and reflection became the central theme. The drama “Royale Film” engaged the audience through expressive acting and storytelling, while dance pieces including “Salty and Sweet”, “Refraction”, and “Beyond the Way” explored different styles and moods to capture the spirit of youth.

Teachers' warm melody of “You Raise Me Up” brought a festive atmosphere to the hall. Their heartfelt singing conveyed encouragement and support, creating one of the most touching moments of the afternoon.

Amid thunderous applause and cheers, the Art Festival drew to a close. This year’s festival went beyond showcasing talent, becoming a meaningful celebration of student creativity and shared memories. As the graduating students move forward, this festival stands as a reminder of their time together and the talents they cultivated along the way. To everyone who performed, organized, and supported the event, thank you for the dedication and love that made these memories possible.

(Written by11(2) Teresa , 11(2) Andrea, 12(1) Aimee, 12(3) Nicole, 10(4) Coco, 10(3) Steven, 10(5) Arianna  Pictures by SHSID Media Group  Supervised by Lijia Yu, Dongsheng Zhang  Reviewed by Ying Gu, Chenli Shen)