The Chinese Lunar New Year is a vibrant and significant cultural celebration that brings together communities to honor traditions, celebrate new beginnings, and express gratitude for the past year. On Friday, February 10, our school was fortunate enough to host our first special Lunar New Year performance that brought our school’s AP/IB Chinese, Chinese III and IV class together with the broader community, including our parents and friends. The event featured a lively Dragon and Lion Dance performance, which is a traditional highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations. This paper will reflect on the performance, the roles of Mr. Kong and Mrs. Yap, and the support we received from both the parents and our community.
The day was filled with excitement and anticipation as students gathered on the school quad for the performance. The Dragon and Lion Dances are significant symbols of good fortune and prosperity, and they played a central role in our celebration. The dances were full of energy, color, and movement, with performers wearing red belts that symbolize strength, good luck, and joy. The Dragon, often seen as a majestic and powerful creature, danced in undulating patterns, while the Lion Dance, typically performed by four dancers, was lively and interactive, drawing the audience into the festive spirit. The preparation for the performance was a true team effort. In addition to the dragon and lion dance, the students sang and rapped the Dreidel and Family song. Mr. Kong, our dedicated instructor, was ensuring that we were prepared for the performance. He patiently guided us through the intricate movements of the dances, making sure that every step was synchronized, and every gesture was precise. We practiced many days on the tennis courts and on the quad. His commitment to teaching us the traditions and techniques of the Dragon and Lion Dance was invaluable. His passion for the art form was infectious, motivating us to give our best during practice sessions. His attention to detail and guidance ensured that our performance would be as authentic and impactful as possible.
Mrs. Yap, our Chinese teacher, played a crucial leadership role in the event. As the leader of the event, she orchestrated everything from the rehearsal to the final performance. Her dedication to promoting Chinese culture at our school is evident in everything she does, and she was critical for the success of this celebration. Students felt empowered to participate, and the performance came together beautifully. Mrs. Yap’s enthusiasm for the Lunar New Year celebration was very passionate, creating an atmosphere of excitement and unity that resonated throughout the event. The event was made even more special by the presence of our parents, who came to support us and enjoy the performance. Their attendance not only enhanced the event but also highlighted the importance of family and community during the Lunar New Year. The sight of parents cheering us on, clapping to the rhythm of the drums, and capturing moments with their cameras made the experience even more meaningful.
In addition to the performance, we were fortunate to have snacks to enjoy. Oranges, Nian gao, and New year’s cake are Traditional Lunar New Year foods symbolizing good fortune and prosperity, were shared among the students and parents, adding a delicious and authentic touch to the celebration. The food was an essential part of the event, as it provided an opportunity for us to come together. One of the most impactful aspects of the celebration was the generosity of the community. Thanks to donations from parents and PFC, we were able to fund the event and hopefully support future cultural programs at the school. The donations not only helped cover the costs of the performance but also allowed us to continue promoting and celebrating Chinese culture in meaningful ways.
