ROCHESTER — A lively group of dancers dressed in turquoise dresses and holding vibrant umbrellas performed at Lourdes High School on Saturday. Their movements flowed together at times and broke into individual rhythms at others, providing a colorful and energetic display for the Lunar New Year Celebration.
This year marked a significant return for the event, hosted by the Rochester Chinese School and the Chinese Mayo Employee Resource Group. It was the first celebration in Rochester since before the pandemic.
“It’s a very big deal,” shared Colin Chen, an emcee for the event. He emphasized how important these celebrations are for the community, bringing people together in a shared experience.
The Rochester Chinese School, founded in 1998, has around 150 students and is based at Rochester Community and Technical College. Its mission focuses on teaching Chinese language and culture.
The event showcased a range of performances. We saw traditional dances, piano, and cello solos, featuring participants from young children to adult choirs. The emcees delivered the program in both Chinese and English, making it accessible to a broader audience.
While the focus was on Chinese culture, there were also fun nods to popular music. One dance used Enrique Iglesias’s hit “Bailando,” while another featured a rendition of “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked.”
Ying Li, the dance instructor at the Rochester Chinese School, explained that the Lunar New Year is a crucial time for families to gather, likening it to Thanksgiving or Christmas in American culture. “It’s the most important festival for Chinese culture,” Li explained.
The date of the Lunar New Year changes each year and is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals. This year is the Year of the Snake, symbolizing transformation, introspection, and growth. The Chinese Language Institute notes that it represents a time to shed old habits and embrace new beginnings.
“Sometimes we call it ‘small dragon,’” said performer Jing Chen about the snake. “Every year has a good meaning.”
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