Acrobats for Chinese New Year

A performer with the Yunnan Art Troupe, from China. Photo supplied.
A performer with the Yunnan Art Troupe, from China. Photo supplied.

The Year of the Monkey is about to begin and to help celebrate the Chinese New Year in Dunedin, some of China's top acrobats and theatre performers will put on a show.

The Yunnan Art Troupe has been highly praised by both domestic and international audiences for its energetic and elegant performances.

Dunedin City Council community events co-ordinator Marilyn Anderson expected the troupe to draw more visitors to this year's celebration.

Two years ago, about 5000 people attended, but up to 8000 might come to Monday's event, she said.

"This season, we seem to be attracting some offshore visitors to the city, and I would hope that with student Orientation looming, the beautiful weather forecasted and the events that we've got running, that we might be able to attract a few to Chinese New Year as well.''

Tourism operators recently reported dramatic jumps in visitor numbers, particularly in the Chinese visitor market.

Much of the growth comes from three-times-a-week China Southern Airlines flights from Guangzhou to Christchurch.

The flights are expected to bring 70,000 tourists a year directly to the South Island.

Ms Anderson said the Yunnan Art Troupe would provide a range of entertainment, including acrobatics, Kunming folk song and dance theatre performances, music and magic tricks as part of the city's Chinese New Year celebrations on Monday.

"Dunedin is very fortunate to be able to incorporate this vibrant visiting group into this year's celebrations, which will be held at the Dunedin Chinese Garden.

"This group has been constantly performing and updating itself, establishing its unique artistic style, inspired by the colourful cultures and arts of the 25 ethnic minorities of the Yunnan Province.''

Ms Anderson said the annual parade would leave from the Octagon about 7.15pm, head south on Princes St to the Exchange, then turn into lower Rattray St towards the Chinese Garden.

The parade would be led by a magnificent gold, dancing dragon more than 20m long, controlled by members of the Dunedin Chinese Scholar and Student Association.

It would be accompanied by Dunedin Senior Chinese Association representatives and the Senior Chinese Ladies dancing group, with support from members of Cargill Enterprises and the public.

Ms Anderson said the festivities would continue at the garden, where 12 food stalls would offer a range of treats, including traditional Chinese food.

The evening would conclude with a $12,000 fireworks display behind the Chinese Garden, at 10pm.

"This will be a great community event and we encourage everyone to come along and celebrate the Year of the Monkey with us.''

Dunedin resident Malcolm Wong said the celebration was the most important in the Chinese calendar and culture.

"In China, it's a major holiday. It's a time to relax and reunite with family.

"Culturally, it's a time to herald in the new year, a time when we hope for prosperity and good luck, and a time to ward off the spirits of the past year and look to a new future.''

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement