Jie Bao: Grow Like a Moreton Bay Fig

<p dir="ltr">Located in Auckland’s Albert Park, a giant Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) stands as the largest of its kind in New Zealand. Its sturdy roots, majestic trunk, wide-reaching branches, and evergreen foliage leave an impression on all who see it.</p><p dir="ltr">This tree can symbolise the development of dance teaching in China. Its roots represent over 3,000 years of history, highlighting teacher authority and the tradition of students imitating teachers. The trunk reflects support from principals, parents, and students. The branches and leaves show the teachers’ innovation, especially in creative dance, encouraging independent thinking and creative movements.</p><p dir="ltr">However, the rapid shift from imitation to creativity in China’s creative dance teaching, which overlooks the foundations of traditional dance teaching, has made the implementation of innovation challenging. This transition needs to be gradual, only then can teachers’ exploration and innovation grow and thrive, like the Moreton Bay Fig in Auckland’s Albert Park. </p>