Celebration of the Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year in Paramus Celebration of the Chinese New Year in 2006 at Trinity Presbyterian Church was delayed by the tremendous snowstorm the Sunday prior. Undaunted, the troupes played to a standing room only audience. The applause given to the young performers was heartwarming, the oohs and aahs well deserved.

Reverend Samuel Stone gave the opening prayer and the program began:

Young dancers came forth and under the tutelege of their instructor gave a rendition of a cultural dance. They were followed by the most impressive Lion Dancers from the Bergen Chinese School. To see these lads perform with their grandiose renditions was worth the trip and the wait.

Priscilla Chow introduced the Gu-zheng instrument, a form of a zither and a lute, which she handled masterfully. Next was an offering from celloplayer Alex Yoe, followed by the King Lai Cultural Dance offerings of the Sun and Star Dance and then a Sun Dance.

We were then treated to a trio of Gu-shengs with Samantha Kwok, Cassandra Stone and Christine Yoe. The music and accompaniment that ensued drew raves from the packed house. The Trinity String Ensemble, Yuna Tsuji, Kento Tanahashi, Daisy Lee and Momo Suziki also entertained.

Of course we had to have the King Lai Cultural Dance and to watch the little tots dutifully keeping time with the tambourines while dancing was spectacular.

Thanks and credits go to the Sponsors, Teachers and Students. In particular: Ms. King Lai, Ms. Suzi Zhang, John Zhang, Ms, Julie Lin and the Bergen Chinese School headed by Master Henry Lee.

One must remember that these activities involved tots to teens and their performances were stellar. If anyone is interested, all these classes are offered at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 650 Pascack Road, Paramus www.TrinityFamily.org