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Chinese students get taste of American culture at summer arts program

Melanie Balakit, mbalakit@tennessean.com
Hao Pong Zhang learns to play the guitar at "Kids on Stage" summer camp in Leiper's Fork, which hosts Chinese students. For Chinese students, the camp is often an introduction to American culture.

In unison, the teenage students strum a G chord, followed by A Minor, C and back to G.  

One of the students, Yufeng Wang, softly sings the lyrics to "Hua Fang Gu Niang," or "Greenhouse Girl," an '80s rock song by artist Cui Jian.  

"I'm happy to study here," Wang says of his guitar class.  

Wang is one of about 30 Chinese students in Leiper's Fork for "Kids on Stage," an arts summer camp celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Chinese students join their American counterparts to piece together mosaic art pieces, paint faces with theatrical makeup and practice their acting chops. They sing songs, take pictures, dance to hip-hop music and even learn African drumming.  

The emphasis on the arts is a stark contrast to the highly competitive education system in China.  

"We felt no stress in these classes, it's very creative," said 17-year-old Tianya Chen. 

For many of the Chinese students, the camp is their first trip to the United States. They come to improve their art skills and experience American culture, said Li Weaver, who helped establish the cultural exchange. 

An increasing number of Chinese students are attending American universities and high schools for a competitive edge when they start their professional career. And some students may have plans to return to the U.S. for school, Weaver said.

But for this summer, they need only to have fun and be creative. 

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"Kids on Stage" — which has had celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Kesha go through the program —  started hosting Chinese students four years ago. 

Aashna Krishnasawamy, left, takes a picture of Jungya Tan during a digital photography class at "Kids on Stage" summer camp. For Chinese students, the camp is often an introduction to American culture.

"I think the Chinese government, they're interested in the creative aspect of education that music and arts play in their educational experience," Weaver said. "I think they've realized that the Chinese system of education is very rigid, very strict. It's very demanding on the students." 

Chen said he'd like to come back to the United States to attend a university. 

"American technology is very advance. American universities are very famous. I really want to study here. Maybe in the future," Chen said. 

Weaver works with the state of Tennessee on trade, investment, education and cultural exchange with China.  

"We have an office in China, and we do a lot of exchanges between Tennessee and China. Four years ago, we had a contract from the Beijing municipal government education department. They came to us and said they wanted to send out several hundred students to different parts of the U.S. for a cultural and educational exchange," Weaver said.  

"We thought, 'What is so special about Tennessee?' We identified music and art, which is a big focus on our state," Weaver said. 

Haoyan Chen applies theater makeup during a class at "Kids on Stage" summer camp in Leiper's Fork.

Weaver eventually connected with Gene Cotton, "Kids on Stage" director. The program takes place at Grace Christian Academy and hosts about 200 kids ages 7-17.

Outside of classes, Chinese students stay with American host families and tour Williamson County. They'll also share their own heritage with demonstrations of Chinese arts calligraphy, painting and a tea ceremony.

"It's a great program where Chinese kids can come and mingle with local Tennessee kids," Weaver said. 

At a barbecue restaurant, several Chinese students call American culture "interesting," especially the different levels of friendliness in China and the U.S. 

"Chinese people are always very shy, but here they're very outgoing," said 16-year-old Wang Yang of her American classmates. 

Reach Melanie Balakit at 615-926-1638 and on Twitter @MelanieBalakit.