Dragons and dancing welcome Year of the Snake
Feb 26th, 2013 | By Victoria Cotterell | Category: Arts/Entertainment, Diversity, Front Page Layout, Top Picture
WELLINGTON waterfront was awash with colour on Sunday as the Year of the Snake was welcomed in.
The festivities kicked off with a parade, and there was an all-day market in the TSB Arena and cultural performances at Frank Kitts Park.
The performances mixed the old with the new to great effect, with traditional Chinese symbols given a modern twist. Three Chinese ‘kings’, in full costume, broke into a rousing rendition of theK-Pop hit Gangnam Style. This nod to modernity drew the biggest crowd response of the day.
The Year of the Snake is said to represent wisdom, intelligence and self-control. Those born in this year are said to have the characteristics of cunning, vanity and pride.
Members of the Wellington Chinese Sports and Cultural Centre Dance Group perform a fan dance inspired by tradition.
Natalie Foy belts out a rendition of Shania Twain’s From This Moment On.
Members of the Shaolin Nam Pai Chuan Martial Arts Group perform a routine inspired by martial arts and traditional dance.
The Chinese New Settlers Service Trust perform a traditional fan dance.
Members of the New Chinese Friendship Association relax off-stage.
A Chinese ‘prince’ after the show.
The New Chinese Friendship Association performing their dance.
