Students reached out in excitement to touch the red and gold lion! The fantastic creature—which looked both friendly and ferocious—made jingling sounds as it pranced around the cafetorium, raising a paw in greeting, and leaning down to invite students to pat its forehead and touch its bright feathery fur.
The lion, students learned, represents strength, prosperity and good fortune in the Chinese culture. It is a traditional part of Chinese New Year, which is celebrated this year on January 29!
Its appearance was only one of the exciting surprises folded into the New York Chinese Cultural Center’s visit to Increase Miller Elementary School on January 15. The program was arranged for by school’s PTO as one of a series of cultural enrichments throughout the year.
The presentation began with a single drumbeat, then more, followed by a gong. From that moment on, all eyes were on the story unfolding on stage.
The dancers acted out the dramatic story “Mulan," in which a fearless young woman steps in to take the place of her ailing father in the Imperial Army. Students were invited into the action by cheering for Mulan using Chinese phrases that the narrator taught them.
The presentation included students learning how to say “good morning” and “happy new year” in Chinese. It closed with all students on their feet, doing simple Chinese martial arts moves along with one of the dancers. “Ha!” they said with each punch, perhaps imagining themselves as the warriors who fought alongside Mulan.
