Qing Empress Grand Opening Event

On Saturday, March 30, The Freer/Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian held a grand opening for their new exhibit – Qing Empresses of China’s Forbidden City. Coincidentally, the event took place during the Cherry Blossom Festival, allowing more tourists to see the majestic kites flying through the air. The Smithsonian invited Madison Chinese Dance Academy to demonstrate of art of Chinese kites.

The exhibition focused on the empresses in the Qing Dynasty – Empress Xiaoshengxian, Empress Xiaoxianchun, Empress Dowager Ci’an, and Empress Dowager Cixi – displaying their furniture, paintings, clothing, jewelry, and other precious possessions. This exhibit introduced the audience to the lives of women inside the palace and how these powerful women were able to influence their country, politics, culture, and religion.

On the day of the grand opening, people were able to listen to the tour guides present historical relics, taste palace recipes, admire the portrait of Empress Dowager Cixi, write letters to women of the past, and enjoy Chinese theater. Madison Chinese Dance Academy has worked with the Smithsonian since 2002, and this year they displayed a variety of kites and provided kits for people to learn and make their own kites.

CCACC’s very own Ned Li was able to show off some of his amazing kite flying skills as he brought the kite high up into the air, soaring past the trees. His skill awed many tourists as they watched the kite glide gracefully through the blue sky. Madison Chinese Dance Academy also invited Alice GuZheng Ensemble to perform and introduce people to Chinese instruments.