The Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College welcomed the Year of the Snake with a vibrant and culturally rich Lunar New Year celebration featuring the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.
The two-day event, held on Jan. 25 and 26, showcased a series of dynamic performances blending ancient Chinese traditions with contemporary movement, captivating audiences at the Goldstein Theatre in Flushing.
This year’s program emphasized the themes of wisdom, transformation, and resilience—qualities associated with the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Among the featured performances was Lion in the City, a unique fusion of the traditional Lion Dance and hip-hop, symbolizing cultural collaboration and peace. The event also premiered Dances of the Golden Snake, a new piece choreographed by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company’s Director of Traditional Dance and Preservation, Ying Shi.
A highlight of the performance was the Snake Duet, inspired by the legendary Legend of the White Snake, a tale advocating for women’s empowerment. Other performances, such as Tiger and Water Lilies, Unfolding, and Dragon Festival, showcased the company’s signature style—an elegant fusion of classical Chinese and contemporary dance. The finale, Dragon Festival, featured a mesmerizing dragon dance, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
Andy Chiang, Executive Director of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, reflected on the significance of the performance. “The Year of the Snake symbolizes change and transformation—something we can all relate to. As we embrace these shifts, we remain hopeful for a year filled with growth, prosperity, and new opportunities for everyone,” he said.
Chiang also expressed gratitude to the Kupferberg Center for its long-standing partnership with the company. “I want to express my gratitude to the Kupferberg Center for hosting the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company year after year for more than two decades. This partnership has allowed us to create works that are not only rooted in tradition but also continuously evolving. Our art reflects the journey of adaptation and transformation, drawing inspiration from the people we meet and the cultural exchanges we experience in this vibrant, diverse community.”
For over three decades, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company has been a leading force in cross-cultural performing arts, blending traditional Chinese dance with contemporary influences. The company continues to preserve and innovate, bringing dynamic, immersive performances to audiences worldwide.
