As part of the free Bundaberg Regional Council Chinese New Year event being held on Tuesday, 1 February, the PCYC Bundaberg Blazers Dragon Dancing group will be performing the traditional Chinese dragon dance.
Trevor Standfast from the Bundaberg Blazers Dragon Dancing group said the traditional dragon dance was one that promoted goodwill and prosperity for the community.
“Chinese New Year is about the new moon festival and the planting of crops,” he said.
“What the dragon does is come out and perform for something impacting the community at the time, but generally it dances to get the rain to begin so the crops can grow.”
Trevor said the lion that formed part of the performance symbolised a similar meaning, although the dance could be used in a different way.
“The Chinese lions are slightly different, although they also represent goodwill and prosperity,” he said.
“They can also be more specific such as blessing a new restaurant to give them prosperity for the next year.
“The lions will quite often have red envelopes which have been put in their mouth as it is believed that the more you give to the lion, the better your good luck and wealth will be for the year.”
As part of Chinese New Year celebrations across the region, the group will also be performing at Chinese restaurants as well as blessing a few of new businesses in town.
The group of around 40 youth meet weekly, with training occurring every month.
In addition to the performance, there will be other entertainment, great local food and Chinese arts and crafts on offer at the event.
The PCYC Bundaberg Blazers Dragon Dancing Group has been running in for over 10 years with the program part of the Bundaberg PCYC Youth Development program.
Event details:
What: Chinese New Year Celebration
Date: Tuesday 1 February
Time: 5 – 8pm
Where: Riverfeast Bundaberg
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