Between Books and Beats: My life at Queen’s – 1

Happy International Dance Day! 国际舞蹈日快乐 (Guójì Wǔdǎo Rì kuàilè)

International Dance Day, celebrated globally on the 29th of April every year since 1982, is an annual celebration of how dancing positively impacts our lives.

Click to read more about International Dance Day

In 1982 the Dance Committee of ITI founded International Dance Day to be celebrated every year on the 29th April, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet. The intention of the International Dance Day Message is to celebrate dance, revel in the universality of this art form, cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers, and bring people together with a common language – dance.

1982年,国际戏剧协会ITI旗下舞蹈委员会成立国际舞蹈日这一艺术节日,日期定在每年的4月29日,这一天也是现代芭蕾之父Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810)的诞辰日。 每年的国际舞蹈日都会有一位杰出的舞蹈界人士撰写献辞。献辞的目的在于庆祝舞蹈这一能够跨越政治、文化、种族障碍,能够将人们聚在一起的全球共通的艺术形式。
Internationaldanceday.org

On this special day, we are pleased to invite Liu Ningning (刘宁宁), a first-year PhD student in Law at Queen’s, to share her life with dancing, in particular, her experience with the QUB Dance Club.

Being part of the QUB Dance team has been one of the best decisions I have made since arriving in Belfast. It reminded me that pursuing academic excellence and personal passions can go hand-in-hand, and that life at Queen’s is full of wonderful opportunities to connect, challenge yourself, and grow.

When I began my PhD journey at Queen’s last September, I was determined not only to immerse myself in academic life but also to contribute actively to the vibrant community here. As a first-year PhD student at the School of Law under a DfE scholarship, I was honoured to be elected as the PhD Student Representative on the Doctoral Studies Committee. Yet another important and unexpected chapter unfolded beyond the library and lecture halls — through dance.

Click to read more about Ningning’s academic background

Ningning Liu, a commercial lawyer with a Juris Master degree from Fudan University and a BA in German Language and Literature from Tongji University, has been awarded the prestigious AHSS International DfE Award. Ningning will begin her PhD at the School of Law, focusing on women’s rights to political participation in modern China — specifically in Shanghai from the 1840s to the 1940s — and seeks to draw lessons for women’s empowerment today. Her research addresses critical questions about the role of women in shaping the legislative, political, and social landscapes in modern Shanghai, and the lasting impact of their political engagement on China and beyond. (Source: QUB School of Law)

After successfully passing a competitive audition, I became an active member of the QUB Dance Club, being the only international, Asian, and PhD student among a team primarily composed of undergraduates. It since has been an unforgettable and transformative experience for me.

Throughout the year, alongside my academic progress, I devoted many evenings and weekends to rehearsals, participated in major fundraising events such as So You Think You Can Dance and QUB Strictly Come Dancing (where we raised over £1,200 for charity in total!), and proudly represented Queen’s at national dance competitions in Leeds and Liverpool. One of the highlights was when our team won 2nd place in the Advanced Hip-Hop category — a moment that filled me with pride, not just for myself, but for everyone who had worked tirelessly alongside me.

Liu Ningning (centre) at dance with her teammates (Photo credit: by Jordan, QUB Dance Team)

Coming from Shanghai, I have been dancing hip-hop for around five years. For me, dance is not just a hobby — it is a part of who I am. I was thrilled to find that even during my intense PhD life, I could continue this passion at Queen’s. In fact, dance has made me more energetic, better at time management, and even more focused on my research. My supervisors have been incredibly supportive, and I am deeply grateful for their encouragement.

Of course, this journey was not without its challenges. As the only international and PhD member of the team, I initially found it demanding to adjust to the fast-paced, competitive environment dominated by undergraduates. I needed to develop greater flexibility in my approach to teamwork, quickly learn new choreography, and adapt to the group’s dynamic performance style. I actively sought feedback from more experienced teammates, spent additional hours practicing, and carefully analysed recorded performances to identify areas for improvement. Gradually, I adapted my style to align more closely with the team’s approach while also introducing elements of my own background in dance to add creative variety. These experiences not only strengthened my ability to think flexibly and critically to assess my progress but also boosted my confidence in tackling new challenges.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the friendships I built within the team. Regardless of our different disciplines and cultural backgrounds, we have connected well through our shared passion for dance. I am truly inspired by the team’s spirit, commitment, and the way everyone supports each other both on and off the stage. Their high level of organisation and drive constantly motivate me to push myself, improve, and contribute more.

Liu Ningning (left on the second row top down) with her teammates (Photo credit: Brandy Zhu)

Age, nationality, and background melted away the moment we stepped into the Blue Sky Room or onto the stage of Mandela Hall. During competitions in Leeds and Liverpool, when I received applause and compliments from competitors and audience members, I felt great joy — not just personally, but as a proud representative of Chinese and Asian women. We are strong, resilient, and accomplished, and I believe we should be brave in showing that to the world in every arena we enter.

After the competition season, our hip-hop team was also invited to perform at Queen’s Annual Fashion Show and the QUB Dance Annual Showcase. I made every effort to participate in all the events I could, and in doing so, I learned not only new choreography and performance skills but also valuable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery.

If you love dancing, or simply want to try something new, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join a club or society at Queen’s. You never know what amazing experiences and friendships are waiting for you to explore and enjoy!

Related links

In Pictures: Lantern Festival Celebration

We are deeply grateful to all of you – students (including alumni and visiting students), staff members (including visiting academics), and their families – for your support in making the Year of the Snake celebration a success over the past weeks. This has been a truly remarkable celebration, bringing together diverse communities at Queen’s and beyond, fostering intercultural exchange and deeper understanding among people from different cultural backgrounds.

We take great pride in hosting this grand celebration, the very first of 2025 at Queen’s, which also marks the beginning of the University’s 180th Anniversary celebrations. We look forward to welcoming you to an exciting lineup of events as part of Queen’s 180th Anniversary celebration programme – stay tuned for more opportunities to engage and celebrate together!

Lantern Festival Celebration

As the Lantern Festival falls on Wednesday, 12th February, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to all colleagues and students who have supported our celebration programme in various ways.

To mark the conclusion of the Year of the Snake Celebration Programme, recognise the winners of the Drawing the Snake Competition, and express our gratitude to our volunteers and contributors, we warmly invite you to our “Lantern Festival” stands in the foyer area of One Elmwood on Wednesday, 12th February, from 12:30 to 13:30. Join us for a special gathering and award ceremony, where we will celebrate your contributions, share joyful moments, and reflect on the unforgettable highlights of this year’s festivities.

Fun Time with Table Tennis

As part of our celebration tradition, we host a Table Tennis Event around the Lantern Festival to promote networking and community building as a key highlight of the Lantern Festival celebration. Sponsored by the QUB iRISE Staff Network, this event warmly invites students, staff members, and their families to take part in a fun and friendly gathering. It offers a chance to engage with one of the most popular sports in Chinese communities while also fostering well-being through physical activity and social interaction.

Additionally, we invite you to explore the ArtEast Online Exhibition, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks by local Chinese artists. The artists would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions to further enhance their presentations.

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation! While our Chinese Culture Forum 2025 will continue to present events and activities in the future, we look forward to celebrating with you again next year as we welcome the Year of the Horse!

Happy Spring Festival

With the Snake succeeding the Dragon (Loong) on Wednesday 29th January, we are now embracing the Chinese New Year, or 春节 (Chūnjié, Spring Festival) in Chinese communities – 春节快乐!Happy Spring Festival!

Lanyon Building in Red

To mark the Chinese New Year 2025 celebrations on Wednesday, 29th January — the first day of the Year of the Snake — Queen’s Lanyon Building was officially illuminated in red.

The Success Lion Dance Club, led by Master Alan Lui, delivered a spectacular lion dance performance, a traditional way of celebrating the Spring Festival in Chinese communities. The lions danced together and interacted with the audience, spreading blessings and good fortune for the year ahead.

Students, staff members, and their families were invited to join group photographs at the end, posing alongside the lions.

Drawing the Snake Competition

Congratulations to the following winners! A full exhibition can be viewed from Drawing the Snake Competition page.

ArtEast online exhibition

Thanks to four ArtEast Club members’ contribution to the online exhibition this year, there are over 30 pieces of artworks we can view from their gallery.

ArtEast 2025 Exhibition

Culture Forum Talks

We would like to thank Luyao and Sinong for their engaging and interesting talks and welcome the upcoming talks delivered by Tong, Siyang, Mi and Tianpeng. Save the dates in your diary and don’t miss out!

CNY entertainment

QUB international student societies are hosting their own events (Open House and CNY Dinner) for the celebration of the Chinese New Year. They welcome both members and non-members to join in their events.

Wishing all staff, students, alumni, and the wider community a joyful and prosperous Year of the Snake!

Happy Year of the Snake

Launch of the Chinese New Year celebrations (Wednesday 22 January) – open to all students and staff

With the arrival of the Year of the Snake on Wednesday 29 January, we would like to send our best wishes to all those who celebrate it and its variations (Lunar New Year in some Asian countries) and invite staff and students to join together on Wednesday 22 January for the main launch event, as below.

This is a collaborative event, organised by The Language Centre, One Elmwood Student Experience Team, Queen’s Students’ Union, CSSA, MSSNI, Ppi Belfast, and Queen’s iRISE Staff Network, supported by People and Culture Diversity and Inclusion team.

  • 12:00 – 13:00      Welcome Reception (Auditorium, McClay Library) – please register for this here.
  • 13:00 – 13:30      Dragon Dance and Parade – departing from McClay Library through Lanyon, finishing at One Elmwood Student Centre and Students’ Union)
  • 13:30 – 16:00      Cultural Fair and Performances (One Elmwood Foyer – Ground Floor)  no registration required

Chinese Culture Forum

The celebration of the Year of the Snake also announces the start of our Chinese Culture Forum in 2025, with the following talks contributed by Queen’s staff and students, including visiting academics and students from a range of disciplines. Check the programme button and book the events that you are interested in.

More events to be uploaded

We are open to proposals for a variety of events that you would wish to help with or contribute to developing our CCP2025 programme. Please do not hesitate to submit your proposals via the form below and we will get in touch with you in due course after your submission.

In Pictures: Pre-CNY Workshops

The Pre-CNY Workshops commenced with great enthusiasm, setting the tone for the celebrations ahead.

On the afternoon of Monday, 13th January, the Blue Sky Room at One Elmwood welcomed a diverse audience from various cultural and academic backgrounds. Attendees gathered to participate in three engaging workshops — Drawing the Snake, Chinese Calligraphy, and Paper Crafts — in preparation for the arrival of the Year of the Snake.

The Language Centre, in collaboration with One Elmwood Student Experience Team and Queen’s Students’ Union, is keen to invite students and staff members, as well as members of the public, to attend a wide range of events in the coming weeks, featuring

  • The launch of the Chinese New Year celebrations (Wednesday 22 January)
  • Year of the Snake Fair (Wednesday 22 January)
  • Culture talks
  • Film seminar and screening
  • Art exhibitions

For more information and to register click the button below

Happy Year of the Snake! 蛇年快乐!

Laba Festival and CNY2025

Happy Laba Festival (腊八节 Làbā jié)! Falling on the 8th day of the 12th month (called 腊月 làyuè) in the lunar calendar, this Laba Festival is often seen as the signal of the arrival of the Chinese New Year (aka. Spring Festival 春节 Chūn jié in China).

Laba congee cooked | Image@LiangWANG

On the day, in many places across China, mainly the north, northwest and southeast, people cook and eat Laba congee (腊八粥 làbā zhōu), typically made of rice, mixed beans, various nuts and dried fruits, etc., all of which are believed to be good for health. Having Laba congee can keep one feel warm and spirited in the cold and wet weather.

With the Laba Festival arriving today on 7th January this year, one can be certain that the Chinese New Year – Year of the Snake (蛇年 Shénián) starting from 29th January, is just around the corner.

Call for CNY participation

While we are busy preparing for the CNY2025 Programme, we would like to invite you to join us in a few activities that can bring the celebrative elements together. The following calls for participation are totally voluntary and you are welcome to attend one or all, as long as you feel like relevant and meaningful.

Pre-CNY Workshops
蛇年新春工作坊

This event is for all QUB students, staff and their families who currently reside in Belfast and NI.

Volunteering for CNY Events
春节活动志愿者招募

This event is for staff and students at Queen’s to volunteer at our series of events such as the CNY Gala, CNY Interactive Fair, Culture Workshops, etc.

Chinese Forum Talks

We always welcome public talks covering a variety of topics from students and scholars at Queen’s and from elsewhere.

We would like to thank you for your support and look forward to welcoming you to join our celebrations that are to come soon. Stay tuned!

Pre-CNY2025 Workshops

Happy New Year!

The Year of Snake arrives earlier than usual in 2025, falling on Wed 29th January. To kick off another festive celebration following the Christmas and New Year holidays, we warmly invite students, staff, and their families to participate in a series of workshops leading up to this special occasion. These workshops reflect the cherished traditions upheld by Chinese-speaking communities as they prepare to welcome the Spring Festival with cultural practices and festivities.

The Workshops

Participants can attend all of the workshops, or choose any one to attend. Children under 18 should be accompanied by their guardian.

Drawing the Snake – A fun competition to show your creativity and imagination across cultures of drawing snakes (蛇 shé), beyond the artistic and professional boundary.

Chinese calligraphy – A great chance to taste the writing of Chinese characters such as 福 (fú, fortune) and many other blessing words, as well as your names in Chinese characters.

Paper crafts – A hands-on experience of developing craftsmanship and making traditional decorations for the Chinese New Year celebration.

More events

Drawing the Snake

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, Queen’s University Belfast invites all students and staff (and their families) to celebrate this Spring Festival with creativity and cultural exploration through our “Drawing the Snake” Competition!

This fun and engaging event encourages participants to showcase their artistic talents and unique interpretations of the Snake, an important symbol in Chinese culture that represents wisdom, transformation, and elegance.

Image credit: Jean Jing

The competition also highlights the famous Chinese idiom 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú), meaning “drawing legs on a snake”. This idiom serves as a reminder to approach creativity with balance, avoiding unnecessary embellishments that might detract from the essence of an idea – just as adding legs to a snake would be superfluous.

Whether you’re inspired by traditional Chinese art, modern interpretations, or your own personal flair, we can’t wait to see your vision of the Snake! Let’s celebrate the artistry, wisdom, and elegance that the Year of the Snake represents.

Requirement

Participants are encouraged to employ diverse drawing styles and mediums (e.g., sketching, oils, watercolor, sculpture, etc.) as long as they effectively convey your perceptions of the snake 蛇 within your own cultural context or Chinese culture. We welcome authentic forms and techniques of presentation, excluding AI-related works.

Workshop

The competition will close on Friday 17th January (extended to Sunday 19th January). A Drawing the Snake workshop for QUB students, staff and their families will take place on Monday 13th January.

Submission

Submissions should consist of one drawing per participant, saved as an electronic copy (JEPG/JPG/PNG format, no exceeding 4MB). Please submit your artwork via the provided submission form, accompanied by a brief bio, including your name, status (e.g., educational/professional background), and a concise description of your illustration.

More events

September updates

Happy September and welcome back to Queen’s!

Before the start of the new academic year we are pleased to introduce some activities as a continuation of our Chinese Culture Programme 2024.

Date: Sunday 08/09/24

Time: 1-3 pm

Venue: Learning Zone, GF, Ulster Museum

Ticket: Free, Open Access

Source: Bout Ye Project

Date: Thursday 12/09/24

Time: 2-4:30 pm

Venue: The Cube, One Elmwood, QUB

Ticket: Required

Source: Mid-Autumn Festival and Welcome Event

Submission Date: Wednesday 02/10/24

Source: EAFF Blog

Chinese Language Course Enrolment

If you are keen to sign up for a Mandarin Chinese class with the Language Centre, please find more information below.

Enrolment Closing Date: Thursday 03/10/24

Source: Language Centre Web

Hope you all enjoy a great start!