Soft washes of red, gold, pink, purple, and blue filled the Woodlands Middle High School auditorium as new stage lights illuminated flowing silk sleeves, spinning umbrellas, and the rhythmic movement of student performers. The lighting transformed the annual Lunar New Year celebration into an immersive cultural experience.
Behind the scenes, students adjusted costumes, gathered props, and prepared for a performance months in the making. When the music began, the stage came alive as Woodlands Middle High School Mandarin Club students welcomed the Lunar New Year through dance, storytelling, and tradition.
Now in its ninth year, the celebration has grown into a beloved school tradition, bringing together students across grade levels to share culture and creativity through performance. It also reflects the district’s commitment to promoting bilingualism through its Mandarin program and Mandarin Club.
“This is a true reflection of Greenburgh Central’s commitment to creating global citizens,” said Dr. Nadim Farooqi, Director of Academic Excellence.
Mandarin teacher Dr. Hui-Chin Yang, who directed the program, added: “This celebration was not brought in from somewhere else; it was built here by students at this school.”
Throughout the performance, students presented a dynamic lineup of traditional pieces, the result of months of preparation during free periods and after school.
For senior Jake Morton, the performance carried special meaning.
“It’s the last time after five years,” Morton said. “We’ve put in so much work for this. To finally see it all come together one last time, and this year with the lights and the design for the show, it’s great to see.”
Jake noted that this year’s group of performers, while smaller, took on even greater responsibility.
“We have a slightly smaller group, but they’re all doing multiple dances,” he said. “Each of the performers put in more time than ever before. And we have a lot of seventh and eighth graders this year, which is good because it keeps the program alive.”
Students also played an active role in shaping the performance.
“For me and Caterina, we wanted to do the long-sleeve water dance because we thought it looked really beautiful and interesting,” said Melanie Goldstein. “We wanted to show everyone how beautiful these dances can be.”
Caterina Gonzalez described how students collaborate with Dr. Yang to select new pieces.
“Dr. Yang shows us dances she finds, and we tell her what we like,” Caterina said. “That was my case with the embroidery dance. I just thought it was really pretty when she showed it to us.”
Students also introduced new elements this year, including an umbrella dance.
“We wanted to do the umbrella dance because it looks really beautiful, and it was new, so the audience would enjoy it,” said Senna Narumi.
The preparation required significant dedication.
“Countless hours go into this,” Caterina shared. “But it’s all worth it because we get to learn about and celebrate Chinese culture.”
For many students, the experience also builds bonds across grade levels.
“It really becomes a community,” Melanie said. “Even if you're not in the same grade, you become friends with everyone because we’re all part of this club.”
Students also emphasized the importance of sharing cultural traditions with others.
“I think it’s important because knowing every culture is like knowing the world,” Senna said.
During the Woodlands performance, Dr. Yang took a moment to recognize the dedication behind the production. Speaking directly to the student performers, she reflected on the commitment required to bring the celebration to life.
“You are high school students with a hundred things pulling at your time and attention every day, and yet you chose this,” Dr. Yang said. “The rehearsals, the free periods, and the after-school hours you dedicated to this celebration are reflected in every movement you will make on stage. I am so proud of you. This is your moment. Step into it.”
She also recognized Mr. Vaccaro, Mr. Grant, and Mr. Woo, who performed the martial arts portion of the program, along with the student narrators who guided the audience and provided cultural context throughout the celebration.
Following the Woodlands performance, Mandarin Club students traveled to Lee F. Jackson, Highview, and Richard J. Bailey elementary schools on March 24, bringing the same program to younger learners across the district.
At Lee F. Jackson Elementary School, students sat cross-legged on the floor as performers entered the space. As drums sounded, the lion and dragon dancers wove through the crowd, moving between rows of elementary students and drawing gasps, laughter, and applause. Flowing sleeves swept through the air, umbrellas spun in synchronized motion, and colorful costumes filled the room with movement and energy.
“Your big brothers and sisters from Woodlands are here to dance for you,” Dr. Yang told students as the performance began.
The immersive experience allowed younger students to see the traditions up close while watching older students take on leadership roles. Students responded with excitement as performers moved through the audience, bringing the celebration beyond the stage and into the crowd.
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