Traditional Chinese opera is finding a new life in a different art form! More than 100 elementary school teachers entered a training session to pass on the art to school children. Armed with Chinese opera-themed cartoons, they are now confident they can spark a reinvigorated interest by the next generation.

These elementary school teachers proved to be quick learners in Chinese opera. They are practising a classic piece of Yuju opera, a major branch of the Chinese opera family.

Fang Tingting, performer of Shanghai Yueju Opera Troupe, said, "I was actually nervous about teaching them, because I thought they may not be interested. But their passion totally dispelled my worries. I think they will do well in promoting Chinese opera with children, especially with cartoons as their aid."

Cartoons naturally captivate the attention of children. By presenting Chinese opera to them in this way and incorporating traditional arias, the results have already proven to be phenomenal.

Liu Hui, school teacher, said, "The children are really interested in the cartoons. As teachers, we give them some direction and they start to copy the moves in the opera."

The teachers also believe this digital method really builds a bridge between the children and this traditional art form and really helps them tap into the rich cultural heritage of China. They are more than glad to be trained here to take on this task.

(CNTV.cn January 17, 2013)