On Tuesday, February 1st, ANS welcomed the Year of the Tiger with a high-spirited Chinese New Year celebration.
This long-standing tradition at ANS—after a prolonged break from school events due to the pandemic—had a strong return, uniting the school with a beautiful exhibition of Chinese culture.
The event was done safely, following social distancing regulations: Rather than being presented once in front of the entirety of the school, it was done multiple times, once for each group of students and teachers that the school was split into.
Each year, the Chinese classes, led by Ms. Carolina Yun, work together to bring about a set of performances—including dancing, singing, exhibitions of traditional Chinese clothing, Chinese calligraphy, the Chinese Lion dance, and other musical performances—and show incredible liveliness, passion, and talent that the school community responds to enthusiastically, all while being educated on Chinese culture and traditions. This year, despite the smaller sets of audiences, was equally successful, and the performing students and supporting staff worked especially hard!
Following the tradition of Seniors hosting the event, this year’s celebration was hosted by former AP Chinese students Mía Stephens, Andrew López, and Alejandra Tellería.
The three Seniors opened the event with a welcoming of the Year of the Tiger, which transitioned into a performance by the well-known and beloved ANS Chinese Lion, who was portrayed this year by Carolina Chen and Katherine Rodriguez. This was followed by a singing and dancing performance by Jenifer Zou Zhong and Meizi Zou Zhong, then a dance performance by Ashley Lin Feng and Yuslly Lin Feng, a return of the Chinese Lion (this time involving two of the hosts), and a final dance performance by the Chinese II and Chinese III classes. The event was brought to a close by the ANS Concert Band and Nydia del Carmen, with a performance of the Chinese celebratory song “Gong Xi Gong Xi.”
Every performance was awe-inspiring, and showed the students’ incredible dedication and passion. Taking place two years after the start of the pandemic, the event seemed to bring life back into this school community, finally rising back up from a long period of struggle.
In line with what the Year of the Tiger represents, ANS’ Chinese New Year celebration seems to signify a year of resilience, strength, and good changes.
