Young people showcased different cultures from a variety of countries on Saturday when the Chinese Dragon Culture Heritage Association held a Multicultural Kids’ Talent Competition at the Wentworth Park bandshell in Sydney. Above are performers: Melody Gong,10, who danced in Chinese dress; flutists Juliana Wong,10, and Yiran Zheng, 11, who performed Chinese selections (and notably just started taking lessons two weeks ago); and 13-year-old Diljot Singh, who danced in Punjabi style. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentSome great talent took to the stage Saturday afternoon at Wentworth Park in Sydney to the delight of family, friends and entranced onlookers.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe two-hour extravaganza continued through sun and rain when the Chinese Dragon Culture Heritage Association (CDCHA), with the support of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, held a Multicultural Kids’ Talent Competition at the bandshell.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentClose to 30 young performers ages 8-16 from diverse backgrounds showcased song, dance and music from their home countries.Article content The colour and talent that took to the stage on Saturday was not dampened by the rain that fell off and on during the afternoon during the Multicultural Kids’ Talent Competition organized by the Chinese Dragon Culture Heritage Association at the Wentworth Park bandshell. From left are dancers Aadhya Nair, 9. Dhwani Annmaria Elias, 15, Shivani Warrier, 10 and Advika Jithin, 10. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentMother and volunteer Ling Huang, whose 11-year-old son, Anan Gong, was taking care of the electronic music for dancers, said most of the performers were children of newcomers to the CBRM.Article content“When we come here, we all experience a different culture that we enjoy,” she said. “We want to learn about it and also to share our culture with others.”Article contentGOOD EXPERIENCEArticle contentThe young people gathered together by the stage waiting for their turns to perform, and all said they were having a good time. One parent said it was a good experience for them to be able to have a stage and a microphone to dance and sing.Article content Dancing in beautiful dresses from the Kerala area of India, these young woman are students of the Narthana Nirthyalaya Dance School in Sydney. They were performing at the Multicultural Kids’ Talent Competition Saturday for youth aged 6-18. From left are Aadhya Nair, 9, Angelina Alex, 8, Natasha Arun, 10 and Vamika Abhilash, 9. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentJiya George, a local nurse who came to Sydney from the state of Kerala in India in 2018 for her training and chose to stay and work here, was there with her daughter, who was dancing in the show.Article contentArticle contentHer whole family just became Canadian citizens two months ago. Husband Alex Andrews brought his skills as a mechanic with him to Canada and works at Plaza Ford. Their youngest daughter, Alexandra, was born in Canada five years ago and is already a Canadian citizen.Article contentGeorge said it’s very good for children to be able to celebrate their own cultures and learn about others in multicultural events.Article content Dozens of people attended Saturday afternoon’s multicultural talent competition. Among them were Ling Huang and her son, Anan Gong, 11. They were both volunteering at the show behind the scenes, with Anan working the electronic music provided for the dancers. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTArticle content‘JOYFUL’ EVENTArticle contentDaughter Angelina, 8, danced in full costume that had been sent from India along with three other young people. They are all students at the Narthana Nirthyalaya Dance School in Sydney.Article content“This is a joyful, family-friendly community event,” said Jenny Huang, co-founder and artistic director of the Chinese Dragon Culture Heritage Association. She was one of three judges for the day.Article contentRosemary Godin is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter for the Cape Breton Post, a position funded by the federal government.Article content
Youthful radiance shines through rain at Cape Breton park’s bandshell performances
