School Offers Weekly Chinese Language, Dance and Art Classes for All Ages

While on a walk with his teenage daughter, David Huckaby’s jaw dropped when Kara struck up a lengthy conversation with a couple – all in Chinese.

“I don’t speak Chinese so I’m not a good judge but it sure sounded impressive to me,” he said of his daughter’s linguistic skills.

That’s what comes from six years of study at the Kentucky Chinese American Association’s Chinese language school. Kara not only mastered Mandarin, she learned about Chinese culture, dance and art.

“The school was very good for her,” said Huckaby, who is a network engineer at UK. “She made so many friends.”

Success stories like that have been commonplace since the school opened in 2012.

Classes meet Saturday afternoons during the school year at Lafayette High at 401 Reed Lane.

Nearly 100 students aged 3-16 years old are divided into different classes according to their age and Chinese language level. Adult classes are also available.

The innovative curriculum is taught by 10 experienced teachers led by Principal Jie Chen. Classes run 2-4 p.m. and are followed by 90 minutes of Chinese dance, Erhu music, painting and drawing classes.

Established in 2005, the KYCAA hosts annual large-scale Chinese cultural events such as the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Lexington Opera House on Feb. 2, and the Moon Festival at the MoonDance Amphitheater on Sept. 15. Each event attracts up to 2,000 people.

Students at the Chinese school can perform and participate in both events.

The events and the school provide ideal opportunities for local children and adults to experience Chinese culture and to learn Mandarin Chinese.

Students from all backgrounds are welcome, although curently more students are Chinese-Americans, according to Changzheng Wang, a Chinese immigrant and a local college professor who has lived in Kentucky for more than 20 years.

He’s also the past president of KYCAA and the advisor for KYCAA Chinese School, which teaches the world’s most spoken language.

“Knowing Chinese will be a big plus in today’s global economy, with more and more job opportunities related to working with China one way or another ” Wang said.

“KYCAA Chinese School provides a friendly and nurturing environment for local people who wants to learn Chinese language and culture.”

To register visit www.kycaa.org to down-load a registration form and mail it to KYCAA Chinese School, P. O. Box 910186, Lexington, KY 40591. In person registration is available on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2-4 p.m. at Lafayette High.