“JInesis,” an innovative outdoor variety show organized by University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) “old” students to welcome the 2015 new students, was unfolded at the plaza outside of JI building on the evening of November 3, attended by Dean Peisen Huang, Party Secretary Xinwan Li, faculty, staff, students and parents.
Based on Genesis, the brilliant show symbolized JI’s development from the dark and formless beginning to today’s bright and robust state. The theme carried JI upper classmates’ welcoming wishes and the freshmen’s dream of the new life at JI.
Opening hip-hot: The-Good-Good
Band “Don’t cry and New divide”
Band “Don’t cry and New divide”
Dance: “AHyeah! Back to party!”
Martial arts: flag dancing
Dance by the Students’ Union officers
The colorful show kicked off with an ebullient hip hop dance under the kaleidoscopic lighting; the skit “Dreaming back of the 12th Grade” used flashback to depict freshmen’s nostalgia of high school days and anticipation for college life; the melodious song “Fleet of time” expressed melancholy of the past; with beautiful piano accompaniment, the recitation “No dream , why distance? ” poured out students’ endless imagination of the future; the group “JI Boys” transformed their singing from subdued to upbeat, reflecting JI’s vibrant life; under the dazzling light, the saxophone playing of “Conquer” fused poetry and heroism in one; the impromptu student band pushed the show to its climax by their hot songs and heavy metal.
During cross-talk “@ JI,” the two talkers, sporting red and blue traditional Chinese robes, exchanged witty quips mocking life at SJTU and offering surviving tips at the same time. With the backdrop of the eight trigrams and inky water painting, the Tai Chi performers’ firm and agile footwork rustled under the moonlight; the accompanying Chinese flute brought the traditional art to the highest level; the brandish show was a mesmerizing exchange of sword and shadows. In “Pingpong stunts” a fierce table tennis game engaged by two players, one donning Professor Hamade’s mask, seized attention by ever-changing stunts, which roused loud cheers and applause. The trio “Butterfly Lovers” captivated the audience with undulating piano, murmuring cello, and ink-flowing/silk-ripping violin.
Near the end, a moving chorus echoed though the quiet campus, followed by entertaining performances by officers of the JI Students’ Union. A hearty sing-along of “My Love” drew the curtain down.
With the fantastic lighting and sound, this first outdoor try of the famous JI Freshmen Welcome Show turned out to be a hit. The sumptuous visual and audio feast was thoroughly enjoyable and won accolades, proving JI students’ energy, passion,and talents. And the gratified new students are sailing toward a bright future.
