The middle of winter is a great time to celebrate the Lunar New Year! The skies outside may be gray, but local martial arts school, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, brings cheer and color each year to the community, area schools, and local businesses with their performances, workshops, and events.
The Lunar New Year (also known as the Chinese New Year) is celebrated for 2 weeks. The start date varies anywhere from late January to late February, as it is based mostly on the moon’s cycle. Each year is represented by an animal from the Chinese zodiac, and 2013 is the Year of the Snake.
Benfield Elementary Performance
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Jing Ying Institute began this year’s celebration with a performance at Benfield Elementary School in Severna Park. Students were treated to the legend of the Nian, which is the origin of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance. After the story of Nian, the Chinese Lion Dance was performed and children enthusiastically clapped along with the cymbals, gong, and drum. Making lots of noise is part of the performance, and the children were happy to participate!
Area Restaurants
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A few days after the Benfield performance, Jing Ying made their annual trek to Moulin de Paris in Pasadena, where the restaurant is booked for weeks in advance in anticipation of the performance. They also made an appearance at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro in Annapolis recently where a grandma exclaimed, "It’s my grandson’s birthday today, and you made his day!"
Two Weeks of Free & Low-Cost Workshops
Jing Ying offers two weeks of workshops during the New Year, most of which are free. The first week of the celebration this year, local acupuncturist Dr. Daohe Fang returned to speak about Medical Qigong to a packed room. Susan von Suhrke of Timely Transitions gave a fascinating feng shui workshop and Shifu Billy Greer gave a very informative presentation about tai chi and qigong for health and wellness. The calligraphy workshop with Wendy Ng allowed students to practice basic brush techniques and learn how to write Chinese characters.
During the second week, the annual women’s self-defense workshop and the kids kung fu and lion dance workshop were a big hit with participants. The tea tasting with Lynayn Mielke, a tea professional with a Level IV certification from the Tea Specialty Institute gave participants the opportunity to sample several premium, whole leaf teas while learning their health benefits, and how to properly prepare them.
The Lunar New Year activities will wrap up this weekend with two final events:
Saturday, February 23 (1-2:30pm) Lunar New Year Open House (Free) - There will be a Chinese Lion Dance Performance at 1:00 pm, which will be followed by exciting kung fu demonstrations. There will also be delicious food, as well as crafts for kids and activities for all ages. From 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, there will be a free kung fu class. Bring your friends and family to enjoy fun and prizes.
Sunday, February 24 (7:00 pm) Anne Arundel Community College Performance
Jing Ying will perform the lion dance and tai chi with the Washington Chinese Traditional Orchestra, conducted by Duke Tang. The AACC Chamber Singers also take the stage with the orchestra and will perform two Chinese songs, "A Place Far Away" and "Spring Overture."
Sunday, February 24, 2013
7:00pm
Anne Arundel Community College
The Robert Kaufmann Theater in
The Pascal Center for Performing Arts
101 College Pkwy, Arnold MD 21012
410-777-2457
Admission is $10. Seniors older than 60, non-AACC students and groups pay $7 and AACC students with valid ID pay $5. For information, call 410-777-2457 or send an email to boxoffice@aacc.edu
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Jing Ying Institute is like a big, happy family. It’s only because of the hard work and time given by our students and parents that we are able to take the gray winter days and make them come alive with color.
About Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi:
Founded in 2000, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi has been the leader in bringing Chinese martial arts and culture to Anne Arundel County. Their award-winning programs are available for children and adults six days a week, and workshops with top masters from around the world are offered throughout the year.
Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd #6
Arnold, MD 21012
410-431-5200
www.JingYing.org
