Successful second Ceilidh event at Hainan campus
Published: 6 June 2025
Our Hainan campus community, in collaboration with Hainan’s Lingshui Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone, successfully held the second Ceilidh Dance Ball!
On Saturday 17th May 2025, Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC and the Department of Student Affairs of the Pilot Zone Administration (Mission Work Committee) came together to co-host the 2nd annual Ceilidh Ball at the Pilot Zone’s Comprehensive Sports Center. The spectacular event brought together 320 participants (272 dancers and 48 staff) for a memorable evening celebrating international culture and community, with a distinctive Scottish theme.
The evening began with warm bilingual welcome in speeches from the Executive Dean of Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC, Dr. Robert Partridge, and Mr. Wang Yinghua, its Deputy Party Committee Secretary & Vice-Dean. Their words set the tone for a night of cultural exchange, camaraderie, and connection, with Mr Yinghua even trying out some Gaelic! This was particularly impressive as even many native Scots do not speak their ancient Celtic language.
Above are pictured Ms. Yaya Yan, Administration Manager for Hainan campus, and Dr Robert Partridge, the Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC Executive Dean, acting as MCs for the event.
During the three Ceilidh dances, eight pairs of dancers, formed by faculty and students from various universities across the Pilot Zone, demonstrated authentic Ceilidh steps. The UESTC Symphony Orchestra from Chengdu accompanied all dances, marrying lively rhythms with graceful footwork. Through three rounds of clear, interactive instruction, even complete beginners quickly found their feet and took to the floor with a surprising confidence. As ever, perfection was not expected - only being willing to give the traditional Scottish dances (such as the 'Dashing White Sergeant' and 'Strip the Willow') a good natured and enthusiastic try. Accordingly, the dancers' attempts were the source of some laughter, and much joy!
Special guests from the Glasgow College UESTC campus in Chengdu also attended and took part in the dancing. They included Professor David Young (Executive Dean) and Ms. Lang Hu (Student Support and Engagement Officer) as well as some students from the new 'Thistle and Phoneix' student society which focuses on cultural exchange.
UESTC musicians from The UESTC Symphony Orchestra pictured above, came together to form a fantastic new Ceilidh band - for one night only!
During the mid-evening break, guests were treated to a generous spread of refreshments, providing both a refreshing energy boost and delicious taste of hospitality and tradition. Pictured below are just some of the ornate and delicate sweet treats that were on offer.
Whilst the Ceilidh dancers recharged, the ADC Street Dance Club (seen below) lit up the stage with two high-energy street dance performances, seamlessly contrasting – and complementing – the traditional Ceilidh spirit. The soulful vocals of the student band, Opposite Day, created a fusion with the symphony orchestra’s interplay which set the venue ablaze, showcasing the integration of modernity and tradition.
Ms. Yaya Yan told us:
"I was so proud of how Hainan interpreted its connection to Glasgow and Scotland through Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC. Our second Ceilidh Dance drew 320 attendees throughout the whole Hainan campus and it was really something to behold! It is going to get bigger and better year on year and be a regular fixture in the calendar!"
As usual, the students of Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC, showcased an incredible and diverse range of talent throughought the event, reminding everyone that engineering and creative expression can exist quite comfortably together.
After the three Ceilidh dances, Mr. Wang Yinghua (Deputy Party Committee Secretary & Vice-Dean of Glasgow College Hainan, UESTC) and Professor David Young (Executive Dean of Glasgow College, UESTC) took their places on stage to draw some lucky winners at random and present them with gifts. The star prize - a Scottish comic book and UofG branded bag - went to Miss Han Xu, of the 2024 cohort. The Deans and Miss Xu are pictured below.
Following nearly three hours of dancing, laughter, and cultural exchange, the evening concluded with a group photo, capturing the energy and unity of everyone who took part.
One of the event organisers, Student Support and Engagement Officer Mr Chenyang Wang, gave his sincere thanks "to every student, faculty member, and staff participant who joined us and helped to make the night so special." He added that he and his team are "already looking forward to the third Ceilidh Dance Ball in Hainan, and hope to see you there!"
First published: 6 June 2025