By Whitney Hale

(Jan. 13, 2016) — The University of Kentucky's Confucius Institute brings together two worlds of style at "East Meets West: Fashion, Dance and Music." The fashion and performing arts program will begin 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Haggin Auditorium of Transylvania University's Mitchell Fine Arts Center. This event is free and open to the public.

Directed by Shuling Fister, "East Meets West" hopes to introduce Western audiences to Chinese history and culture through the artistry of Chinese fashion. Fashion designer Qi Zhou, Shuling Studio, Mu Dan Hong Dance, UK College of Fine Arts and Images Model and Talent Agency lend their talents to this program featuring a combination of Chinese and American music and dance.

A gateway for Chinese language, culture and art to the people of Kentucky, the UK Confucius Institute provides leadership, support and coordination for Chinese language and programs in K-12 schools as well as on UK's campus; assists and facilitates establishing and maintaining faculty and student exchanges between UK colleges and Chinese universities; conducts Chinese language and cultural exchange; and promotes education about China on campus, across the Bluegrass region, and throughout the Commonwealth.