Chinatown Together hosts Reawaken the Chinese Unicorn: Hakka Qilin Dance Workshop on April 13
Event presented in partnership with the Vancouver Tsung Tsin Hakka Association revives a centuries-old tradition
Hakka Qilin Dance Workshop. Photo by Melody Ma
THE QILIN, A CHINESE UNICORN that’s integral to Hakka culture, is at the forefront of a rare dance being performed in Vancouver this weekend for the first time in nearly a decade.
Chinatown Together—a cultivator of intergenerational events and culture celebrations in the city—is teaming up with local nonprofit Vancouver Tsung Tsin Hakka Association to present an afternoon of qilin dance on April 13. Donning elaborate ceremonial masks, performers will embody tradition that dates back more than 450 years. While most people are familiarwith lion and dragon dances, the Chinese unicorn dance is rarely seen in Vancouver—or even around the world.
The workshop will feature a qilin dance master alongside a young generation of folks in the Chinatown community, many of whom are of Hakka ancestry, that have been learning the style’s technique. Guests will have the opportunity to see a qilin dance demonstration, learn about Hakka history and culture, and even try the qilin dance themselves.
The Hakka people are a Han Chinese subgroup whose name translates to “guest family” due to a history of migration from northern to southern China, away from upheaval and genocide. Though they are not tied to a specific geographical region in the country like most other Chinese subgroups, the Hakka people have a rich history marked by unique culture, language, and cuisine.
For over 50 years, the Vancouver Tsung Tsin Hakka Association has dedicated itself to preserving Hakka community and culture in Canada. The qilin, a mythological symbol for righteousness and compassion, embodies the organization’s values seamlessly.
On a larger level, Chinatown Together stages cultural events to stand united against gentrification of the vibrant neighbourhood.
Reawaken the Chinese Unicorn: Hakka Qilin Dance Workshop will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Courtyard. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as the location will be changed to the Chinatown Plaza Mall if it rains. 
Photo by Larry Chin
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