A Fan Dance for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

I was invited by Kim Chen, who teaches Chinese Dance, to learn the Fan Dance for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebration in Portland. This celebration of Mid-Autumn is one of two important celebrations in the Chinese calendar, the other being the Lunar New Year. At first, I was skeptical that I could learn this dance in a few short weeks. But Kim is a wonderful teacher and patiently and with practice, it’s coming together. Interestingly, this event is organized by CAFAM, The Chinese American Friendship Association of Maine. Because I have a close friend who’s child was adopted from China I’ve been aware of this organization. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival will be my first time participating in one of their public gatherings.

Learning Chinese dance and it’s relationship to tai chi

I find a strong relationship between the fan form I am learning and my experience of tai chi. Much of the stepping and gestures feel familiar to me. But learning to handle the fan is new. Like so much in tai chi, one does not need to control the fan so much. I’ve learned to hold the fan and let it release itself without any forcing.

Letting the fan express itself

I have discovered how to let the fan express itself in the various directions–up, down, sideways, open, and closed. I find it fascinating to let go and move with the fan’s energy. Notably, this fan form has some similarities to gestures in the tai chi 24-Movement Form I have been practicing. Knowing some of the movements in advance has helped me feel more confident that I can learn this dance in a short timeframe. And finally, I’m grateful for the time and assistance of Kim, our teacher, and Whitney, another of the dancers, who arranged for extra practice sessions on my behalf.

Fan form practice video

If you’d like to dance along with me, here is the video I’ve been learning and practicing with. All you need is a fan and some time! Enjoy and be well! ~Robin