Our Lunar New Year Celebration has returned to the Garden to ring in the Year of the Dragon – and so have some of our favorite vendors! Palos Verdes High School’s Chinese Club is back to perform tradtional drums and folk music as well as share the most popular group dance currently happening in Asia. We were able to ask Nancy, Chinese teacher and National Chinese Honor Society Advisor, a few questions regarding Lunar New Year. Check it out below and then make sure to come see one of their performances at the Garden. Palos Verdes High School will be part of the 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. performances and is hosting activity booths from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in February.
Q: What does Lunar New Year mean to you?
Nancy: Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in Asian culture. Asian families and friends use this opportunity to practice traditions, enjoy traditional food and celebrate. Lunar New Year is also a symbol of the new start of a new year with best wishes to ourselves and others.
Q: What do your students have planned for this year’s performance?
Nancy: Similar as last year, my students have planned three performances this year. Drums – drum-playing is a typical performance for holiday celebrations, which symbolizes power and good luck. Tai Ji Fan Dance – Tai Ji Quan is a popular form of Martial Arts which benefits both physical and mental health. This performance is a great combination of martial arts and fan dances. Square Dance “Subject 3” – it is currently the most popular group dance in Asian countries. It will be a great performance to invite audiences to dance with my students. Besides the performances, my students have also prepared several culturally related activities such as calligraphy-writing, chopstick games, a popular board game called Wei Qi or GO, and Mahjong.
Q: What are you most excited about in this Lunar New Year celebration?
Nancy: I am most excited about the new format of the event. Last year, we had the event in two long days over a weekend, Saturday and Sunday. It was well attended, but the parking was a problem. A lot of guests were not able to attend because of the shortage of the parking spaces. This year, the event is spread out in four weekends. I am expecting that more guests will be able to participate in the event.
Q:What is it like having the Garden as your backdrop?
Nancy: My students have performed at school, but the Garden gave my students a bigger platform to demonstrate their talents and share what they have learned at school to educate the public about our culture and engage people from all backgrounds in fun and interesting activities. Students felt so honorable to use what they have learned to serve the community. Performing and playing with the public will become lifetime experiences for my students.
Q:What can guest expect during this year’s performance?
Nancy: Guests can expect to see exciting and powerful drum and fan dances first, then will be invited to dance with my students during the new Square Dance “Subject 3” which will be fun and memorable.
For more information on performances, activities and classes, click here.
