The 6th New York Lion Dance Day, co-organized by the New York Hong Qing Sports Association and the Fa Qiang Sports Association, took place on May 18th at the Roosevelt Park in downtown Manhattan. A total of 9 lion dance troupes and 4 martial arts schools performed, attracting people of all ages and ethnicities to come and watch and take photos.
Representative Karlin Chan from the organizing committee mentioned that the youngest member of the participating lion dance team this year is an 11-year-old girl. “This is why we want to provide these children with a stage to showcase their talents.” Through lion dancing and martial arts performances, Asians can pass down their performance experiences, support each other, boost confidence among the younger generation, and establish networks within the community.
Chan pointed out that the main purpose of New York Lion Dance Day is to pass on the skills of lion dancing and traditional martial arts to the younger generation. It is not mandatory for participating groups to perform lion dances, they are free to choose any performance they like, depending on the preferences of each team. In previous years, Lion Dance Day was held at Columbus Park on Baxter Street, but for the past three years, it has been relocated to Roosevelt Park.
Various groups such as the Yu Zhi Wei Hung Fist Martial Arts Association, Seven Star Praying Mantis Martial Arts Performance Group, Hong Qing Sports Association, New York Choy Lay Fut Martial Arts School, and the Tailu General Chamber of Commerce Martial Arts all participated in the 6th New York Lion Dance Day.