Winnipeg dancers find community among Chinese dragons
Chinese dragon dance has been around for 2,000 years, and now that legacy is being passed down to a new generation of Manitobans.
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CTV News
44 minutes ago
- CTV News
Labubu: The viral monster toy taking over Canada
This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. Labubu, the mischievous, pointy-toothed monster from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, is no longer just a viral sensation – it's a full-blown cultural phenomenon. And in Canada, demand is surging, thanks in part to Showcase, the national retailer bringing Pop Mart products to local malls. 'Labubu is one of many characters in the Monsters series of Pop Mart, but she's the most famous character by far,' said Samir Kulkarni, CEO of Showcase, in a video interview with 'We've been in business for 30 years. This is by far the largest toy trend that we have ever seen.' Pop Mart describes Labubu as 'a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth' who, despite its mischievous look, 'is kind-hearted and always wants to help.' Originally created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu first appeared in a trio of picture books inspired by Nordic mythology. '[The artist] remembered hearing Dutch bedtime stories about different monsters … and created figurines to go with those stories,' Kulkarni said. 'There's a story behind the story, and that's what creates that demand.' Although the character began as a background figure, Labubu has grown into the face of Pop Mart's global success, especially since plush versions hit the market in 2023. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. According to the company's annual report, Pop Mart's revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan (US$1.81 billion), driven in part by Labubu's success. Plush toy sales alone soared more than 1,200 per cent, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of overall revenue. Labubu has been embraced by fans of all ages, though most buyers fall between the ages of eight and 25, according to Kulkarni. 'It definitely skews towards the younger side,' he said, adding there are older customers, especially when it comes to rarer and more expensive figures. Labubu has also become a fashion accessory, spotted dangling from designer handbags carried by celebrities including Olivia Attwood, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham, fuelling the toy's desirability. 'It's a mystery' What sets Pop Mart apart, and Labubu in particular, is the blind-box format. Shoppers never know exactly which figure they'll receive until opening the box. 'It's very different than most toys that are sold in retail,' Kulkarni said. 'In this case, it's a mystery. Sometimes there are rare characters that only appear once every 72 boxes. So, people are looking for the super rare ones, as well.' Those rare figures, once discovered, can skyrocket in value. The result is a frenzied aftermarket, with online resellers charging eye-watering prices for coveted pieces. 'They definitely do get more expensive over time because they are limited edition items,' Kulkarni said. 'There just isn't enough … and demand is much higher than the supply.' Showcase has leaned into the collector culture by offering in-store trading for duplicates and pre-order options for upcoming releases. New Labubu series drop almost monthly, according to Kulkarni, including the wildly popular 'Big Into Energy' collection featuring neon-coloured versions of the character. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. 'That line is the most popular Labubus ever created,' he said. 'We allow for those trades in-store, as well, so that people can … complete their collections.' Labubu vs. Lafufu Tracking down a Labubu isn't always easy. While Pop Mart operates an online store that ships to Canada, there are no physical Pop Mart locations in the country. Labubu figures are also available through a range of retailers — including Showcase, its national partner — as well as independent shops and online resellers. But fans should beware: a growing number of fakes, known online as 'Lafufus,' are circulating in the market. Lafufu, a counterfeit of Pop Mart's hit toy, has gained unexpected traction on social media. The name riffs on the word 'fake,' and their exaggerated flaws like misaligned eyes, uneven fur and lumpy bodies have turned them into a meme of their own. Despite being knockoffs, Lafufus have attracted a following. They're cheaper and more accessible than the genuine article, offering a low-cost entry point into the fandom for buyers who aren't fussy about official branding. There are a few general ways to tell the difference between a Lafufu and an authentic Labubu: genuine figures typically come in Pop Mart packaging with verifiable details, such as a QR code. Lafufus, by contrast, are often sold in unbranded bags and may have visible flaws.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
A million acts of love later, I found a way to keep my sister's spirit alive
Lexi is my inspiration First Person columns are personal stories and experiences from kids written in their own words. For more information and to learn how to submit your own piece, scroll to the bottom of the page. At nine years old, I had no idea how my sister Lexi's death would shape the rest of my life. My name is Felix Townsin and I live in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Lexi died unexpectedly on Oct. 19, 2019, just before her seventh birthday, from complications of a rare illness. I didn't know how I could go on without her. But now, at 15, I've found ways to carry my grief while turning it into something meaningful. Lexi, right, spent a lot of time in hospital due to a rare disease, called Blau syndrome, that she was born with. Her brother, Felix, left, has found a way to honour her since she died in 2019. (Image credit: Cheryl-Lynn Townsin) Lexi's story Lexi had a rare auto inflammatory disease called Blau syndrome. It caused pain in all her joints, as well as stomach aches, headaches and serious vision problems. Even though she was in pain every day, you would never know it by looking at her. She was the strongest person I knew. She had a bubbly, mischievous personality and her laughter was contagious. Lexi always put others before herself and was especially kind to animals. She made friends with every kid in her kindergarten class and even convinced them all to rescue baby spiders on the playground. Lexi was my best friend. Everyone who met her fell instantly in love with her. Me included. How A Million Acts of Love came together I didn't want Lexi's story to end with her death. I wanted people to know how she lived — with courage, joy, love and kindness. That is how A Million Acts of Love was born. It is a project I created to honour Lexi's memory by spreading kindness around the world. I chose this idea because Lexi spread so much love in her life and would have wanted it to continue. The idea is simple: anyone can sign up on our website to do acts of love and kindness in Lexi's name. We tracked all those acts. Our goal was to reach one million acts of love by what would have been Lexi's 12th birthday on Dec. 16, 2024. This was the most challenging project I have taken on. I felt overwhelmed and stressed but I never wanted to give up. Every day, I kept pushing to raise awareness and get more people involved. I created a line of merchandise using a logo made from Lexi's hand-drawn hearts. I organized a benefit concert in Victoria, B.C. I worked with mayors from multiple communities in B.C. to get official proclamations declaring Nov. 16 to Dec. 16, 2024, as A Million Acts of Love Month. Lexi was my inspiration and my parents were the most helpful partners I could ask for, encouraging me and supporting me in every way. Felix, top right, organized a benefit concert in Victoria, B.C., to raise awareness about his initiative, A Million Acts of Love. (Image credit: Trish Glab) My favourite part of the campaign has been hearing the amazing stories of the acts of kindness people have been doing. People have shared their acts of love with us by email and on social media. Some were small acts and some were huge. A student on Vancouver Island cooked 1,000 homemade meals and treats for kids in his school with the help of his educational assistant; they called it Cal and Amanda's Cookin' for Lexi. Trees were planted in India, driveways shovelled in Eastern Canada. Kids stood up in front of their classes and their schools to share Lexi's story and to encourage even more good deeds. Every time I hear one of these stories, I feel like Lexi has helped bring more goodness into the world. Achieving my goal and continuing my work On Lexi's birthday, we gathered to announce the final tally for A Million Acts of Love. I was second-guessing myself and imagining how disappointed everyone would be if we didn't make it. But to my great surprise, we had achieved 1,016,012 acts of love. I couldn't believe it. I was overwhelmed with appreciation for all the people who helped and for all the kindness that was spread in Lexi's name. Felix, holding his dog Max, says his parents, Troy Townsin, left, and Cheryl-Lynn Townsin, right, have supported him throughout his campaign. (Image credit: Trish Glab) While working on this campaign, I kept Lexi's memory in my heart and grew even more connected with her. While Lexi will never come back, it helps me know that she won't be forgotten and that she continues to make such a positive impact. One thing I've learned is that kids aren't powerless. We have the ability to inspire huge change in the world. I am now turning A Million Acts of Love into a foundation to continue inspiring acts of love and to help support kids with grants so they can make a bigger impact. I am also working with scientists to help find a cure for Blau syndrome. I didn't set out to change the world — I just couldn't stand the thought of Lexi being forgotten. Now I know, because of all this love, she never will be. Do you have a First Person piece you'd like to share with the CBC Kids News audience? Here's what we're looking for: A First Person columnist highlights a specific experience they have been through and how it affected them. The column has a clear focus, is backed up by personal experiences and facts, is tied to something happening in the news and will be of interest to other kids in Canada. To read previous submissions, click here. Do you want to write a personal story for CBC Kids News? Pitch your idea here! Have more questions? Want to tell us how we're doing? Use the 'send us feedback' link below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
How one artist sees music as shapes and colour through synesthesia
Ciele Beau is a multi-disciplinary visual artist and musician. Ciele derives influence from her synesthesia. When she listens to music she feels and sees colours and shapes. Her newest exhibition is hosted at Beaumont Studios in Vancouver. CBC's Dannielle Piper met her at the studio to learn more about the artistic practice.
