In an effort to educate students on Chinese culture and dance, the New York Chinese Folk Dance Company recently visited RJ Lockhart Elementary School in Massapequa.

The students were introduced to dances portraying farmers, emperors and warriors of ancient China. They also learned how to make and use a Chinese Ribbon for dancing and practiced using Chinese hand exercises. An introduction to some useful Chinese words resulted in the children describing the program as very "hao," which means "good."

Later in the week, third-graders received a lesson on China Paper Cutting, painting and calligraphy while the fifth graders participated in a workshop on Chinese Ribbon Dancing.

Through the efforts of the PTA Arts in Education Committee, the students now have a better understanding of the Chinese culture and the beauty of its art form.