Chinese dancing comes to Beckton school

Students at a Beckton school had some expert lessons in traditional Chinese lion dancing thanks to Chinese developer ABP.

Kingsford Community School pupils gained a better insight into Chinese culture by learning the traditional lion dance which is usually seen at celebrations and festivals and is performed with a colourful lion’s head.

ABP vice chairman Nancy Xu, London Executive Director John Miu and Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales presented a lion dance costume and some Mandarin books to the school during their visit.

Kinsford Community School was one of the first in the country to introduce Mandarin to its curriculum and has also been recognised for promoting the language and Chinese culture.

Nancy Xu said: “We had heard about the Mandarin teaching taking place and to say thank you to the school for allowing us to use their premises, we thought we would give the lion dance costume and books to support the wonderful learning programme that’s going on here.”

Sir Robin said: “We’re pleased to be working with ABP to transform the Royal Docks. We know that they’re committed to engaging with our local community and delivering a range of benefits that will support the local economy and create opportunities for local people.”

ABP is creating a business park at Royal Albert Dock opposite London City Airport which is expected to create 20,000 full time jobs.

The park, which is due to be completed in 2017, is also hoped to act as a catalyst for further development in the area.