Several student groups helped ring in the Chinese New Year with performances Feb. 4-5 in Edison Theatre.
Students perform a Korean fan dance. Nature plays a very important role in Korean culture, and the fan dance is one way to celebrate its beauty. The dancers are wearing traditional Korean dress, known as Hanbok, with colors similar to a flower. By using the brightly colored fans, the dancers create the illusion of falling flower petals.
The ribbon dance is one of the most popular traditional Chinese dances. Performers wave long red and gold ribbons to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
“This year, we were proud to present a new addition to our program, the Korean fan dance,” said Adrienne Glore, associate dean of students. “By extending the Chinese New Year Festival beyond Chinese traditions, we hope to embrace the cultural diversity of Asian cultures that celebrate the lunar New Year.”