Ms Carole Rodon, a French professor and European Scientist Fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences STF2 Programme (www.euchinastf.eu) contacted DDA to arrange a calligraphy taster session and workshop for members of her family visiting her from France and some of her friends who already live and work in Shanghai.
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As some of the group only spoke a little English, DDA arranged for a French interpreter for the workshop to facilitate everyone’s understanding.
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The event was held at the Cai Yun Jian Tea Emporium on Gong He Xin Road and Mr Wang Xiang the manager took excellent care of the guests, introducing them to some delicious teas, like Pu Er and Oolong tea.
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DDA again invited Ms Wang Xiu Hua, of the Wang Xi Zhi Research Institute to teach the seminar, introducing the guests to the history of calligraphy, some of the various styles, as well as taking them through the basics of making strokes and some simple characters.
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The group quickly mastered the basics, impressing Ms Wang with their natural aptitude, who also helped them to write a few sentences like: “I love Shanghai” and “I love EXPO”, ETC.
Several of the guests also had Chinese names, which Ms Wang taught them how to write.
At the end of the session, Ms Wang presented each of the guests with a simple calligraphy scroll to take home as a souvenir, together with their own writings.
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The event was great fun and provided everyone an insight into Chinese calligraphy and the background of how some of these words came into being.
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Thanks to Celine for her outstanding translation throughout the evening and to Ms Wang for her wonderful teaching; plus a great thank you to Carole for inviting us to arrange such an enjoyable evening.
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If you would like DDA to arrange a similar private workshop, please contact Rose Oliver for further information.
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