Lunar New Year Celebration

Events

Ring in the Lunar New Year at UTC! Celebrate the Year of the Horse on Tuesday, February 17 from 7–9 pm with a festive evening featuring traditional lion dances, live musical performances, crafts, and more.

Presented in partnership with Sarasota Sister Cities, this special event takes place on The Green at UTC, located near Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar.

Event schedule

6:30–7:00 pm: Cultural activities and live music

7:00 pm: Opening Ceremony
Opening remarks by SCAS President Miles Toder

Event hosts: Kun Shi and Tracy Lesh

Performances

1. Lion Dance – Welcoming the Year of the Horse by Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy (Tampa)

2. Dance: “The Joy of Life” by StarLite Dance Group (SACA)
Performers: Sabrina, Aiyun, and Zhen

3. Ethnic Dance of the Zhuang and Dai Peoples Ping Wang and Fengming Wei by Tampa Sunshine Dance Group

4. The Chinese Umbrella Dance by Anna’s Dance Academy

5. Chinese Music Performance by Mr. Changkui Tang
– Bamboo Flute (Dizi): “Pulling Out Reed Flowers”
– Jinghu: “Spring Festival Overture”

6. Dance: “In Honor of a Star”by Zen Rhythm Dance Group of Sarasota Directed by Weizhen Jiang Wolf

7. Peking Opera: “Ode to the Pear Garden” Performed by Jie Yu

8. Poem Recitation: “The Color of Chinese New Year” by Mandarin II Class at Out-of-Door Academy

🧧Intermission for cultural exhibits and vendor activities 🧧

9. Dance: “The Butterfly Lovers” by StarLite Dance Group

10. Kung Fu Performance by Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy
Featuring World Champion Shifu Mario Salazar and his team

11. Long Sleeve Dance performed by Jie Yu

12. Huangmei Opera: “Female Prince Consort” by Ping Wang and Fengming Wei

13. Mongolian Dance by Zen Rhythm Dance Group

14. Chinese Music Performance by Mr. Changkui Tang
– Hulusi: “Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond”
– Bamboo Flute (Dizi): “Yankee Doodle”

15. Closing Dance: “Countless Songs” by StarLite Dance Group
Performers: Juliet, Aiyun, and Zhen