This was the 3rd year I lion danced with Gund Kwok during Chinese New Year in Boston's Chinatown. I have to say that after every new year in Chinatown, I reflect back on the day and just say wow. Ever since I was little, my mother would take my siblings and me to Chinatown to check out the festivities. I loved everything from the sights, the sounds, and smells of Chinese New Year - colorful lions dancing around everywhere to the incessant drumming and cymbaling, loud firecrackers going off, and the smell of smoke engulfing the streets. When I was little, I never imagined that I would one day be in those lions, dancing to that music on top of those fireworks, and breathing in that smoke for 6 hours straight! It's completely exhilarating. My love for lion dancing and my Chinese culture are renewed each year at this time.
I get a whole other feeling too - pride. I am so proud to be part of Gund Kwok. This past year, I've become more involved with the troupe in terms of responsibilities and leadership. The troupe has become a part of me. Not only have I advanced in my skills in lion, dragon, and percussion, I just have so much respect for my Gund Kwok sisters and lion dancers everywhere. I still have so much to learn and practice, but it's wonderful to be part of something beautiful.
This is video of me lion dancing. I'm in the head of the first gold lion. Unfortunately, I couldn't do a move because of the actual chair I was jumping off of, but we improvised.
This video was created by some Emerson College students. In this video, you can see me playing the monkey cymbals for our dragonettes.
Here's a couple of pictures taken of us during last weekend's Chinese New Year festival in Quincy. Yes, that's me on top! We call it a head sit. Click to enlarge!Check out my Facebook page for more pictures of this event. Lion dancing definitely keeps me in shape and helps build a lot of strength. I have rock hard shoulders and back!
In other news, it's my February break next week! Woo Hoo! Roger and I are leaving for Montreal and Quebec City this Saturday morning. We're driving and spending about 5 days in Canada. I'm going to freeze up there, but I can't wait! I'll be sure to tell you all about my trip and share pictures when we get back!
I'm so glad we got to see and meet some of your troupe at your wedding. One thing I hadn't realized before was how varied in age the group is. As I get older, and being away from family, I really appreciate the value of having an intergenerational community of women around you.
@douglasm - cool! yeah, i'm actually the youngest in the group. my troupe leader is about 50 and is stronger than most members of the troupe. we once had a 55-year-old grandmother who could lift members on top of her head. she was awesome!
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I'm so glad we got to see and meet some of your troupe at your wedding. One thing I hadn't realized before was how varied in age the group is. As I get older, and being away from family, I really appreciate the value of having an intergenerational community of women around you.
@douglasm - cool! yeah, i'm actually the youngest in the group. my troupe leader is about 50 and is stronger than most members of the troupe. we once had a 55-year-old grandmother who could lift members on top of her head. she was awesome!
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