Opening and Closing show - VisitBrussels

OFFTaiwanESE EVENINGSmall island that everybody knows but hard to locate on a map by most of us, Taiwan isespecially renowned for its economic growth and its high level of technologicaldevelopment, sheltering various and breathtaking landscapes, and marking areinforcement of the cooperation and the mutual trust with continental China.But the diehard movie-lovers have their own way to define Taiwan, using proper nameslike Hou Hsiao-hsien, Edward Yang, Tsai Ming-liang or even a promising rookie namedAng Lee.For the centennial of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the BIFFF decided to point itsspotlights on this country and its thousand treasures during the Taiwanese evening, whichwill take place on Monday April 11 th at 5 PM:the lion danceThe ancestral martial arts of Kung Fu are not only used in combat.Its basic positions can also be found in the lion dance, a symbolicpractice whose demonstrations, organized by Kung Fu schools,are very common at new year’s eve and during other celebrations.The animal has two distinct parts: a head made of bamboo,decorated with paper and tissues, and the body linked to the tail.Each of these parts is independent and controlled by a dancer.The lion is also surrounded by six musicians, giving the rhythm butalso guiding the dancers inside the lion.The choice of the lion for this tradition is due to the fact that – inChina – it is considered to be a mythical beast, present innumerous sculptures and statues. The lion is a sign of prosperity, but also symbolizesstrength and kindness.75