Multicultural Week

April 24, 2008

On April 24th, the third graders at Hunter’s Creek Elementary had a surprise visit from Sifu
(meaning master) Charles Rivera and his academy. Sifu brought over his troupe of
Lion Dancers for some hands on, up close culture lessons. This event was defi nitely
THE highlight of the Hunter’s Creek Elementary Multicultural Week!

At 9:15 in the morning, approximately 100 students and staff were quietly waiting in the
HCES Cafeteria. When they saw the colorful lions marching onto the stage, their eyes were wide open.
Sifu Charles Rivera performed the traditional “open eye” ceremony with the Assistant Principal
Oscar Sanchez as our Honorable Guest. Then, before the lion came to life, Sifu Victor explained
the origin of the Lion Dance and Sifu Su Liang talked a little bit about the Hung Fut Pai Kung Fu.

Then the ceremony started! The gong, cymbals and drums started; the lions danced, pounced,
and pulled a snake from a basket! They came off the stage, paraded among the kids,
who did not need to be told to be quiet by the teacher; the students were enthralled! After that,
members of the team performed various forms of Kung Fu.

The best part of the morning was the third graders trying on the lion costumes and learning
how to make the lion “come to life” by moving the eyes and mouth.

They were also able to speak to the lion dancers and Kung Fu instructors.

Hunter’s Creek Elementary School holds an annual Multicultural Fair. Each grade is assigned
a different continent and each class a different country. They study about the geography, people,
culture, cuisine, arts and crafts. Besides having the Lion Dance, the third graders who studied China
also received a presentation about Hong Kong and a Chinese calligraphy demonstration.

Sifu Charles Rivera - Hung Fut Pai Kung Fu and Lion Dance
@407-230-0541 • charivera@gmail.com

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