Helen Deng

    WHAT does a mixture of flamenco and Chinese lion dance look like? To find out, take a look at a performance by Spanish fitness instructor Monica Ward and her three friends.

    The dance drew loud applause and raised laughter at the 2012 soiree of Shenzhen Asian Culture Society (SACS) at the Seaworld Experience Center on Saturday night.

    Ward acted as the fighter teasing the lion. The three girls under the lion made of yellow cloth responded with flamenco steps, creating an exotic yet familiar scene.

    “It is a mixture of Spanish and Chinese culture,” Ward told Shenzhen Daily after the performance, laughing as she regained her breath.

    Mixing Chinese and Western culture is the mission of SACS, an organization established in 2007 in Shekou, Nanshan District.

    Saturday’s party was attended by nearly 300 people, half Chinese and half expatriates. Wine, food and performances created a relaxing atmosphere.

    “I feel privileged to be here in Shenzhen and be with SACS,” said Louise van Steveninck, a language teacher of Shekou International School who came to Shenzhen three years ago.

    “I love Shenzhen. There are so many trees and flowers here. And I love SACS, because it’s not just Westerners. It’s also Chinese,” she said.

    Caroline Rugaba, president of SACS, said: “The vision of SACS is to bring a good mixture of the Chinese and Western businesses and cultures. Created by a small group of people in 2007, we’ve been growing since then. Now we have 156 members and over 10 board members who take daily care of the organization.”

    “China is big and developing very fast. It’s important to learn and share with China,” said Rugaba, who has been in China for 13 years and in Shenzhen for the past seven years.