CONTACT: Irma Lyons, Principal FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Will Rogers Learning Community 23 JAN 2009

PHONE: 310.452.2364

Will Rogers Learning Community to Host Chinese New Year Culture Exhibition and Chinese Tianjin Dance Troupe

SMMUSD’s Will Rogers Learning Community is proud to host, in conjunction with UCLA’s Confucius Institute, the Tianjin Cathay Children’s Art Troupe of China during their upcoming trip to Los Angeles.

The event will be held on Monday, January 26^th at the Will Rogers Learning Community: 2401 14^th St. in Santa Monica, 8:30AM-2:45PM

The children in the program have toured many places around the world, including sites in Australia, Europe, and Asia. The troupe’s visit to Los Angeles (January 25-28) was coordinated by UCLA’s Confucius Institute and Star Education (Culver City). Rather than present a performance on the UCLA campus, Susan Jain, the Executive Director of the UCLA Confucius Institute, thought that it would be more interesting (and fun!) to bring the visiting artists out into the community to have exchange visits with local kids.

The troupe will begin their first performance at Will Rogers Learning Community and will also be performing at USC’s 32^nd St. School, St. Martin of Tours School, Marquez Charter Elementary School, Watts Learning Center, and Star Prep Academy.

In addition to the performance, Will Rogers will have an exhibition in the library, which will help our students gain more insight into the Chinese culture and how the Chinese welcome the New Year. The exhibit will feature authentic photography, clothing, music, artwork, maps, and artifacts. A film of a Chinese New Year Celebration will also be on display.

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Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

1651 16^th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404

310.450.8338 fax: 310.581.1138