NEW YORK - Graceful dancers, bright costumes, the distant thunder of giant drums... that was the scene at a recent rehearsal of New Tang Dynasty Television's Chinese New Year Global Gala, set to perform for three nights this year at Radio City Music Hall.
For the last three years, Manhattan's NTDTV has hosted a Chinese New Year's Gala to top all other New Year celebrations, and it seems that this year is shaping up to be another sensational performance.
I went backstage at a recent rehearsal to see what the performers think of this year's show.
"This year we have a different dragon from the previous three galas," said George, a "dragon dancer" who will be performing in the gala. "The performance will be done in the dark with the special lighting, so that the dragon will be actually glowing. This element will add new excitement to the show and I'm looking forward to participating."
In galas past, there has been an abundance of beautifully performed traditional dance numbers, and this year seems to promise more of the same. I wondered whether the non- Asians in the audience will be able to follow the themes. "I believe so," said Brazilian dancer Ruy Cabanera between sets. "The music tells a story and I think they will have a feel for it. It's going to be a really great performance, so I think that they will understand."
Doris Chan, dressed from head-to-toe in yellow and red silk as a member of the New Tang Dynasty drum team, explained the importance of Dragon as a symbol of the Chinese New Year, and of the Chinese people themselves. "The dragon represents happiness and then also security for the future; it will safeguard your life," said Chan. She added that the Chinese people have been known throughout history as "the people who come from dragons."
Feeds