Edited by Yi-Ling Chou & Min Fang Tsou
Taipei 2017 the 29th Summer Universiade kicked off at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on Aug. 19 at 6:00 p.m. The most popular program of this entire Universiade is the opening ceremony, and the whole stadium was fully packed! Consultant to the director of the event, Xiao-Ping Lee said that the main stage is composed of 8 big pieces of LED screens, and this event allowed people from different nations to connect with one another through technology, sports, music, and culture. To show the host country’s culture, the event organizer especially invited Tai Ji Men, which had been invited to perform during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, to deliver an awe-inspiring overture, showcasing a sport that has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. Then athletes from all over the world entered the arena, and a performance titled "A Vibrant Island," directed by a famous choreographer Jie-Hua Xie, displayed Taiwan's diverse culture.
In the performance "Congregating in Taipei," performers were demonstrating the conflict between young people and society, enhanced by the images on the LED display. In the presentation "World Blog," violinist Yu-Qian Tzeng played beautiful violin pieces, coupled with images full of modern technology. Pei-Ru Jian, who used to be the principal dancer of Martha Graham Dance Company, gave a wonderful solo performance. Taiwan's inventions, such as pedestrian crossing signal (the little green person), were also showcased, followed by a performance by Taiwan's pop star Leehom Wang. Then the stadium was again galvanized during the ceremony of passing on the torch!
Many spectators said that they were extremely impressed by Tai Ji Men's martial arts presentation and the whole stadium was electrified! During the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Tai Ji Men was the only cultural group of qigong and martial arts that was invited to perform in the Olympic Park. It is also the first international organization to parade along the Olympic Boulevard and the world's first organization of qigong and martial arts to perform in the Sydney Opera House. Jing-Guo Wu, member of the International Olympic Committee, said that having a Chinese cultural performance during the Olympic Games has a positive meaning, and Tai Ji Men’s ideal is in line with the spirit of the Olympic Games. He especially extended his gratitude and respect to Tai Ji Men.
Tai Ji Men's Tai Ji Formation, titled "Passing on the Torch, Heart to Heart," was presented by 268 Tai Ji Men dizi (similar to students). In support of the event slogan "For You • For Youth," the formation, demonstrating the most ancient sport of mankind--martial arts--and cultivation of the heart, allowed spectators from all angles to enjoy an unforgettable and inspirational experience. The formation, originating from the ancient Tai Ji culture passed down from generation to generation between shifu and dizi for thousands of years, was publicly presented for the first time, which is even more spectacular than their performance in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and an excellent artistic presentation of sports. People were mesmerized by Tai Ji Men's performance, in which Tai Ji Men dizi waved the commanding flag, five-color flags, swords, shields, staffs, double sticks, and all sorts of weaponry and beautiful young ladies performed graceful and powerful sword dance. Their powerhouse performance, composed of unpredictable moves, made this ancient formation that is almost lost to the world come alive and won enthusiastic applause from spectators from across the planet.
With years of qigong practice as the foundation, Tai Ji Men dizi performing in the event often changed their formations and dashed forward to spread powerful positive energy. Doing so is quite physically taxing and is more than ordinary people can endure.Wen-Yi Lin, a famous Taiwanese writer, said that he hopes that all 7 billion people of the world can see this, which displays the strength of Taiwan and Tai Ji Men dizi’s unity, beauty, and loyalty. He added that through the Summer Universiade, Taiwan’s beauty will be discovered.
Nearly 2,500 people were mobilized to make the opening day possible, and nearly 20,000 volunteers were involved for the 2017 Summer Universiade. With the event in full swing, the people of Taiwan are showing it their support and feel enthusiastic about the pursuit of excellence in sports and the thrill of overcoming limitations!
Picture 1.Tai Ji Men's Tai Ji Formation, titled "Passing on the Torch, Heart to Heart," was presented by 268 Tai Ji Men dizi (similar to students).
Picture 2.Many spectators said that they were extremely impressed by Tai Ji Men's martial arts presentation and the whole stadium was electrified!
Picture3.With years of qigong practice as the foundation, Tai Ji Men dizi performing in the event often changed their formations and dashed forward to spread powerful positive energy.