On the December 18, the 2025 Arts Festival of SHSID Middle School "House of Artopia" unfolded magnificently in the school auditorium. This year's festival unfolded in three chapters: "Roar of the Earth," "Ascent of the Dragon," and "Rebirth of the Phoenix". These themes respectively echoed the vigor and spirit of the White Tiger House, the grace and fluidity of the Azure Long House, and the brilliance and splendor of the Vermilion Phoenix House, creating a vibrant stage for students to showcase their artistic talents. Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary school, and Mr. Edward Key, Assistant Principal for English Curriculum, enjoyed the spectacular festival performances along with parent representatives, teachers and students.

The curtain rose as the orchestra launched the festival's overture with a joyful rendition of "A-Can-Can Christmas". Amidst the lingering notes, six hosts took the stage, igniting the atmosphere with a spectacular opening that formally kicked off the vibrant performances to follow. Students expressed their unique interpretations of art through diverse forms— dancing, instrumental performances, and singing.

The dance performances, blending strength and grace, consistently ignited the audience's enthusiasm, creating wave after wave of excitement. The "Roar of the Earth" chapter featured the "Lion Dance," infusing traditional folklore with vibrant energy and showcasing the youthful vigor of the performers. The graceful ballet solo "Coppelia" tugged at the audience's heartstrings with every pirouette and leap. The SPDC Youth League Dance Club and SPDC presented "Passionate" and "Free-spirited"— the former radiating overwhelming momentum, the latter exuding unrestrained freedom— demonstrating the dancers' extraordinary expressiveness. Sixth graders collaborated across multiple classes to deliver an electrifying dance medley— "Brotherswing" + "Tiger, Tractor" + "Rebellion in Heaven, Shuffle" + "Creation of Heaven"— their synchronized moves and infectious passion drawing thunderous applause. The Chinese dance medley "Red Scales" + "Jinse" + "Rebal·Affection" added a vibrant Eastern touch to the performance. The G6-8 Classical Dance Club's "Beauty" vividly portrayed the natural vitality and life force of "a garden bursting with spring colors." Additionally, the dynamic and fashionable dance "Fashion" + "Like Jennie" and the Latin dance "Winter Joy," blending strength and grace, combined elegance and passion on stage, leaving the audience with an unforgettable experience.

Unlike the exuberance of dance performances, instrumental programs often immerse audiences in melodious tunes, where every note resonates with profound emotion. The piece "Beijing Hutongs" used guitar to sketch the distinctive charm of the capital, while in the chapter "Ascent of the Dragon," the gentle melody rippled out like waves. The string performance of Dvorak's "America" Op. 96 No. 12 and the oboe, bassoon, and piano trio showcased the performers' nuanced mastery and harmonious collaboration in interpreting classical music. Two students joined forces to present a piano medley of "Embroidered Golden Plaque" and "Iridescent," blending traditional heritage with original vitality. Amidst mottled light and shadow, complex rhythms echoed the heartbeat of youth. Familiar melodies played on the bamboo flute— "Rice Fragrance," "Counting Stars," "Dreams Come True," "Fire," "Star Moon Falling," "See You Again," and "Wish Fulfilled"— intertwined delightfully with dance.

The folk melody "Red Blooms on the Hill" flowed through the strings of the orchestra, ushering in the "Rebirth of the Phoenix" segment. As the instrumental resonance lingered in the air, clear voices sang of warmth and strength. The Opera Club students delivered a lively and spirited performance of "I Know It's Today" + "Popular" from stage musicals, showcasing both acting and vocal prowess that drew waves of applause. The junior high school choir presented "The Skies Can't Keep Their Secret" + "Sing Sing Sing," where children's voices, accompanied by the graceful flute and piano, transported the audience into a vast and lyrical musical realm, creating an unforgettable vocal highlight. Solo performances of "The Music of the Night" and "The Hand" showcased exceptional vocal prowess, while the medley of "How Far I'll Go," "Unstoppable," and "Defying Gravity" conveyed heartfelt emotion. The duet "Chapter" performed by Toby from Class 6-13 and his mother, brimming with stories of companionship and growth, interwove warm, steady tones with clear, resonant voices to evoke familial resonance, earning thunderous applause and cheers from the entire audience!

The highlight that had everyone buzzing between segments was the lucky draw designed around the unique themes of the White Tiger, Azure Long, and Vermilion Phoenix Houses, injecting the venue with vibrant interactive energy.

As the audience was already captivated by the graceful dance, melodious instruments, and melodic vocals, the addition of two rock bands infused this visual and auditory feast with an extra dose of rebellious spirit and passion.

Rock Band Club's "Happy Holidays" pulsed with energetic drum beats. Electric guitars intertwined with violins as teachers and students united to unleash a wave of youthful fervor. Though appearing last, the faculty-formed Friday Band ignited the highest cheers— fueled by the suspense built through their earlier "Who Am I" teaser campaign and their set of three strikingly diverse songs. The foreign teachers delivered a refreshing rendition of the Cantonese version of "Shanghai Bund," followed by a guitar-accompanied adaptation of "Pinball Wizard." The finale, "We Will Rock You," electrified the entire venue. Cool, passionate, and exhilarating, it brought this artistic feast to a perfect close.

As part of the festival series, two flash mob performances and charity sales events were successfully held a week ago. Spontaneous dance moves and music flowed freely, while kindness and goodwill spread naturally, collectively weaving a beautiful harmony where tradition and modernity coexist, individuality and unity blend, and art and philanthropy intersect. May the founding spirit of "House of Artopia" endure forever, serving as a warm foundation and steadfast force on the journey of youth.

(Written by Ma Xinyu

Pictures by Ginger Xu, G8 Photography SL Group, Ruolin Yan

Reviewed by Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Fan Chen, Shiyu Wu, Grace Gilmore)