Tai Hang, a modern-looking neighborhood in Hong Kong, is home to the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance,a folk art form that
The dragon is about 70 meters long and weighs more than 200 pounds,with its body
The inheritors of the dragon dance have set up workshops to demonstrate various aspects of the traditional art from the making techniques to
2 . Tina Leverton was 62 when she bought her first pair of ballet shoes. She said putting her feet into the soft leather was very emotional. She said: “I’ve waited a long time for it.”
A few days later, Leverton took her first ballet class after seeing an advertisement in a newspaper. It showed older women dancing in a class near Leverton’s house. “As I came in the door, I found a big smile on my face. From the minute I started, I felt like coming home.”
Leverton had longed to dance as a child. Sadly, her parents couldn’t afford ballet classes, for they were first-generation Indian immigrants, struggling to make a living in the UK. Her father was a train driver on the underground in London and her mother held two cleaning jobs. Nonetheless, she harboured her dream of being a ballerina (芭蕾舞女演员).
At her present age, a grand plie-lowering to the floor with bent knees-seemed to be out of the question. It took her three months to master the move: leaping and landing on one foot. ”I love the struggle and the challenge of learning something new. People in their 60s have a lot of self-limiting beliefs: ‘I can’t do it,’ ‘I’m not good enough.’ And maybe they’re not good enough. But it doesn’t matter,” she said.
Ballet has been transformative. At a medical appointment a few months after Leverton’s first class, a nurse measured her at 163cm, half an inch taller than she had thought. She attributes (归因) the difference to improved posture. Her muscle tone has improved and her lower back pain has stopped. Dancing has also brought new friends. She met a group of older, more independent women and worked together towards a team award with the Royal Academy of Dance. And then, of course, there is the joyful feeling. “Ballet is all the therapy (治疗) I’ll ever need,” said Leverton.
1. How did Leverton feel after taking her dance lesson?| A．Tired. | B．Confused. | C．Shocked. | D．Thrilled. |
| A．Her family was badly off. | B．She wasn’t able to leap high. |
| C．Her family laughed at her dream. | D．She had to focus on classes. |
| A．A team award. | B．Money and fame. |
| C．Friendship and joy. | D．A medical treatment. |
| A．Hard work pays off. | B．Never too old to pursue dreams. |
| C．Interest is the key to success. | D．Money isn’t everything. |
3 . This is Your Dream Dance
With growing evidence that dancing helps boost brain health and manage symptoms of neurocognitive (神经认知的) and movement disorders, accessible dance programmes and movement therapists are helping improve the lives of millions.
There’s actually a lot more happening inside the brain when trying to follow even the simplest choreography (舞蹈编排). “In dance class, we have to learn patterns, and remember sequences,” says David Leventhal, a programme director. The effect extends beyond the dance class to the real world.
In addition to the physical and neurological benefits, dance can also help people living with disease make out what their bodies can and can’t do. Rather than trying to control, or “fix” our body, dance is about developing greater body awareness and moving at our capacity, regardless of physical or cognitive difference.
● Dance as communityStill, researchers say they’re only scratching the surface of understanding how dance can be used therapeutically.
| A．Dance as body acceptance |
| B．Dance as physical exercise |
| C．The uniqueness of dance as a therapy lies in the following aspects |
| D．Dancing requires more “brain power” than simpler repetitive exercises |
| E．Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of dance is the sense of belonging it creates |
| F．Larger studies are needed to confirm the findings of the smaller trials that have been done |
| G．Tasks like navigating the kitchen or walking to the bus stop can be more attainable after dancing |
4 . How similar are language and music?
Language is part of our daily lives, no matter where we live in the world.
Both language and music have a writing system.
In English we record language using the alphabet, which is a collection of letters. Similarly, we use notes (音符) to keep a record of music. Musicians read notes and create meaning in the form of music.
You can make a good guess at where someone is from by listening to the language he uses. In the same way, we know that styles of music are different around the world, giving us the opportunity to explore many different cultures through their music and providing us with music for every situation.
Both share emotion.
| A．Both are expressive. |
| B．Both vary with culture. |
| C．How do you know that I am angry? |
| D．We use language to express our thoughts. |
| E．Similarly, music is part of many people’s lives. |
| F．So just as you read English, you can read music. |
| G．In contrast, you probably also listen to sad music when you are feeling down. |
5 . Four places to hear live music outdoors
For those fond of live music, head outdoors where local restaurants and bars are providing fresh air entertainment. Here are 4 places on Long Island that are popular with everyone:
PORTSIDE BAR & GRILL
On Monday nights at Portside Bar & Grill join the “Portside Pirates Patio (露台) Party” where many artists perform 30-40 minutes each from 7-10 p.m.
“Playing outdoors you get more energy from the audience,” singer Maria Rose says. “They are fully engaged in the music.”
SPOTLIGHT
There may not be music at the Paramount in Huntington but the venue’s art bar Spotlight next door is delivering live music along with burgers (汉堡包) and craft cocktails at a dozen outdoor tables daily from 4-8 p.m.
“We restructured things when we heard outdoor dining is going to be big,” says manager James Visalli. Singer / Guitarist Brian Ripps was the first to kick off Spotlight’s grand re-opening by mixing cover songs with his originals.
KJ FARRELL’S
Live music is what KJ Farrell’s in Bellmore is known for and their backyard patio, which holds 40- 50 seats, has become a hotspot showcasing artists from Tuesday-Saturday from 7-10 p.m. (reservations are made in advance).
Wonderous Stories has just returned to its regular Wednesday night spot where the audience listened to classic rock covers.
GARDEN GRILL
The patio at Garden Grill has been retooled holding 100 people. Music is offered Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Sunday 1-8 p.m. in the fresh air.
Singer / songwriter JD Leonard recently performed his own country tune, “Just Drive” and got a standing ovation (热烈鼓掌). “Everybody seemed so happy to be out here. I know I was.” he says.
1. At which time will you most probably watch Maria Rose’s performance?| A．Saturday 10 p.m. | B．Tuesday 6 p.m. |
| C．Monday 8 p.m. | D．Wednesday 9:30 p.m. |
| A．performed at weekends | B．country music |
| C．classic rock music | D．held in the open air |
| A．It hosts the “Portside Pirates Patio Party”. | B．It should be booked in advance. |
| C．It can hold an audience of 100. | D．It serves craft cocktails. |
Hip hop is getting its very own museum in its birthplace in New York State. The Bronx, the permanent home of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, set to open in 2023, is
Rocky Bucano is the museum's director. He noted that until now there hasn't been a physical place that is devoted to
When the museum
The exhibits will include hip pop
7 . What’s On?
Electric Underground
7.30pm－1.00am Free at the Cyclops Theatre
Do you know who’s playing in your area? We’re bringing you an evening of live rock and pop music from the best local bands. Are you interested in becoming a musician and getting a recording contract? If so, come early to the talk at 7.30 pm by Jules Skye, a successful record producer. He’s going to talk about how you can find the right person to produce your music.
Gee Whizz
8.30pm-10.30pm Comedy (喜剧)at Kaleidoscope
Come and see Gee Whizz perform. He’s the funniest stand-up comedian on the comedy scene. This joyful show will please everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. Gee Whizz really knows how to make you laugh! Our bar is open from 7.00pm for drinks and snacks(快餐).
Simon’s Workshop
5.00pm-7.30pm Wednesdays at Victoria Stage
This is a good chance for anyone who wants to learn how to do comedy. The workshop looks at every kind of comedy, and practices many different ways of making people laugh. Simon is a comedian and actor who has 10 years’ experience of teaching comedy. His workshops are exciting and fun. An evening with Simon will give you the confidence to be funny.
Charlotte Stone
8.00pm-11.00pm Pizza World
Fine food with beautiful jazz music; this is a great evening out. Charlotte Stone will perform songs from her new best-selling CD, with James Pickering on the piano. The menu is Italian, with excellent meat and fresh fish, pizzas and pasta(面食). Book early to get a table. Our bar is open all day, and serves cocktails, coffee, beer, and white wine.
1. Who can help you if you want to have your music produced?| A．Jules Skye. | B．Gee Whizz. | C．Charlotte Stone. | D．James Pickering. |
| A．The Cyclops Theatre | B．Kaleidoscope | C．Victoria Stage | D．Pizza World |
| A．It requires membership card. | B．It lasts three hours each time. |
| C．It is run by a comedy club. | D．It is held every Wednesday. |
| A．5.00pm-7.30pm. | B．7.30pm－1.00am. | C．8.00pm-11.00pm. | D．8.30pm-10.30pm. |
8 . Donatella Flick was the winner of the competition’s 17th part. She wanted to find young conductors at the beginning of their careers and make sure they had tools to enable them not to give up until they succeed.
“It’s so important to train young talents and give them the opportunities to succeed,” she said, reflecting on founding the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition 33 years ago.
That was why, she emphasized, the prize went beyond the cash award — which was a healthy £15,000 — and offered the winner the opportunity to assist the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) for a year. They could work with some of the world’s finest conductors and lay foundations for a successful conducting career.
Flick was born Princess Donatella Missikoff. Since 1917, Flick has successfully built a career and reputation as an artist. She now organizes charitable foundations and project all over the world.
With the Competition, she was motivated by finding more talents in unexpected places — before diversity and inclusion spread through different industries as new “buzzwords”.
“One way to do this was to broaden the range for applications, so we opened up entries to conductors from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland in 2018. Since then, I’ve been very pleased to see conductors from those countries reach the list of competitors,” she said. “One of the major changes that I’ve been very happy to see is that more women are applying for the Competition now than when we started in 1990, and I hope this continues in future competitions.”
In view of the fact that only four of the 20 conductors — that was 20 percent — who qualified for the 2023 competition were women, it was clear that a gender imbalance persisted.
“I think we have a new generation of female conductors emerging, and I would deeply encourage them to apply to the Competition if they’re at the start of their careers,” Flick said, still hopeful.
1. Why did Flick found the Conducting Competition?| A．To become famous. | B．To continue her family tradition. |
| C．To train the future stars of conducting. | D．To promote the finest conductors’ careers. |
| A．By introducing them to some world-class orchestras. |
| B．By supporting them financially. |
| C．By equipping them with conducting tools. |
| D．By providing more opportunities for them. |
| A．The range for applications is broadened every year. |
| B．More females intend to take part in it now. |
| C．Youths worldwide engage themselves in conducting. |
| D．Males account for 80% of the qualified conductors. |
| A．Kind and ambitious. | B．Generous and brave. |
| C．Sensible and creative. | D．Energetic and productive. |
9 . The Guide to the Lively Arts
Free Country
Wednesday, June 21 at 7 pm
Marine Band summer concerts are back now! Enjoy outdoor & live-streamed concerts around the DMV. This week Free Country takes the stage for a lineup of Motown, Classic Rock & the like. Check out full programs and the diverse schedule of performances for the summer online. No tickets required.
Dance to the Music
Friday, June 23 at 8 pm
Friday night Concerts at the Capitol are back! This week, the pop/rock group, Downrange, presents a program of upbeat popular hits. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy world-class music under Washington, DC skies.
Price: $19-$39.
Summer Concert Series
Saturday, June 24 at 7 pm at National Harbor
Tuesday, June 27 at 8 pm at the U. S. Capitol Steps
Join the Concert Band for two FREE concerts in the Summer Concert Series on Saturday evening at the National Harbor Waterfront and Tuesday evening on the West Lawn at the steps of the U. S. Capitol.
C. S. Lewis on Stage
June 28 — 30 three shows only!
Award-winning actor Max McLean’s outstanding performance captures C. S. Lewis’s charming personality and astonishing eloquence (口才) to create an onstage experience exploring deep into the soul of one of the most influential thinkers of the century. With McLean’s talent for humor, expect plenty of laughs in this show.
Price: $79-$99.
The Guide to the Lively Arts appears: ·Sunday in Arts. ·Monday — Thursday in Style. ·Friday in Weekend. ·Saturday in Culture.
For information about advertising, call: Raymond Boyer 202-334-4174
To reach a representative, call: 202-334-7006| guidetoarts@washpost.com
1. What do Free Country and Dance to the Music have in common?| A．They charge ticket fees. | B．They are broadcast online. |
| C．They feature classic music. | D．They are performed outdoors. |
| A．Free Country. | B．C. S. Lewis on Stage. |
| C．Dance to the Music. | D．Summer Concert Series. |
| A．Arts. | B．Style. | C．Weekend. | D．Culture. |
10 . The Kyiv City Ballet danced to a full theater in Paris for the company’s last show of its French tour. The tour has left the dancers without a place to go after the war started in Ukraine. In other times, performing at the Théatre du Chatelet would be a dream come true for the dancers. But with the ongoing war in their country, the dancers feel only a deep sadness.
“We are both physically and emotionally exhausted.” Ekaterina Kozlova said. She is the company’s assistant director. “Everyone in the ballet is worried about their families, loved ones, friends, colleagues at home. It’s been very difficult.”
The Théatre du Chatelet, in the center of Paris, offered them the stage on Tuesday for the group’s final show of a French tour. The dance director of the Paris Opera and some members of her company joined the Ukrainians for a class before performing several ballet classics together. They danced parts of Russian composer Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and The Nutcrackery.
For many of the dancers, the chance to train and dance was a way to think about “something other than the conflict in Ukraine,” Kozlova said. One of the dancers will be going to the Ukrainian border in the coming days to pick up her young daughter who was taken out of the country. Only some members of the company were traveling around France. Many of the ballet’s best dancers stayed behind, waiting to join their friends after they reached Paris.
“Most of our artists are detained in Paris.” Director Ivan Kozlova told the Paris crowd. The city of Paris and the ballet community have helped find temporary housing for the Ukrainian dancers who say they hope to continue dancing in France and elsewhere. The Chatelet theater offered the whole group a residency. But for now, Tuesday’s last-minute performance was their last. All sales from their performances will go to nongovernmental organizations collecting and sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighboring countries.
1. What would the dancers feel about performing at the Théatre du Chatelet before the war?| A．Pleased. | B．Indifferent. |
| C．Sorrowful. | D．Sympathetic. |
| A．They would leave Paris soon. |
| B．They would prevent the conflict. |
| C．Many best dancers stayed in Paris. |
| D．Some would go to the Ukrainian border. |
| A．Arrested. | B．Stuck. | C．Promoted. | D．Educated. |
| A．Enthusiastic and kind. | B．Generous and professional. |
| C．Cooperative and ambitious. | D．Courageous and calm. |
