Hubei Normal Universality (HBNU) held the first Academic Exchange Salon for Chinese and British students from Ulster University (UU) in the rehearsal Hall of the Music and Dance School on the morning of October 29 aiming to promote the cultural understanding between China and the UK, as well as to expand collaborations between the two universities.

A bunch of teachers and students from both HBNU and UU in the field of Music and Dance attended the interactive Salon including Prof. Cui Yonghui, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Music and Dance School, Prof. Zhou Youliang, Dean of Music and Dance School, Dr. Liu Yan, Director of the Confucius Institute, Mrs. Cao Jianfang, Director of the International Exchange Department, Dr. Shaun Ryan, Senior Lecturer of Ulster University in the field of Irish folk music.

Prof. Zhou Youliang, Dean of the School of Music and Dance at Hubei Normal University, warmly welcomed the UU delegation. In his speech, he expressed his sincere welcome to the art troupe of Ulster University, briefed the basic structure and development of the school, elaborated on our efforts in international exchange and cooperation, reviewed the history of long-term friendly collaborations, and put forward expectations for the development of Sino-British academic exchanges. Led by Prof. Zhou, the UU delegation visited the Water Lotus Grand Theatre and the 50th-anniversary achievement exhibition, and watched the teaching of Chinese folk dance, enet, opera rehearsal, band rehearsal, and other courses offered by the Conservatory of Music. Subsequently, the two sides had an in-depth discussion on academic exchange, student joint training, and curriculum sharing.

The academic exchange salon was kicked off by the opera Waiting for My Dear One and La Traviata performed by excellent teachers and students of HBNU, and the national orchestra Yunxiang · Huaxiang, which was followed by the drama Three Suites, the song Sean Oriada and the Irish Quickstep, the Irish and Ulster Scottish folk songs - The Last Rose of Summer, Parting Glass, Raise Your Wings presented by members of UU delegation.

After the impressive performances, the art troupes of two universities conducted cooperative rehearsal activities.

In the end, Prof. Zhou Youliang gave a closing speech to the academic exchange salon and took a group photo.