Kick off the Year of the Rat with traditional Asian arts, crafts, and demonstrations for all ages! Join us on Sunday, February 9, 12–5pm, (doors open at 11:30am) for a full day of events celebrating one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. All activities are free with general admission.
12–4pm—Year of the Rat: Garden of Beasts Workshop
Teaching Artist-in-Residence Jia Sung will demonstrate how to create a visual representation of your zodiac animal, which will be displayed in a communal mural—a so-called garden of beasts that represents a playful census of HRM visitors!
12:30pm—Traditional Lion Dance
Join the students that make up the Lion Dance Troupe of the Chinese Center on Long Island in this colorful ceremonial dance to welcome in the Year of the Rat!
1–4pm—Calligraphy and Origami
Esther Uy will lead a hands-on origami workshop, while calligraphy master Richard Liu will write visitors’ names in Chinese characters.
1–1:30pm—Chinese Folk Dance
Following a solo performance by Dr. Yingli Wen and a short dance with her students, audience members will be invited to learn a routine and join in.
1:30–2pm—Chinese Dulcimer Concert
Award-winning artist Ariane Kuo will perform two pieces (Beautiful Africa and The Beauty of Tianshan) on the Chinese hammered dulcimer, or yangqin. Then she’ll explain how the instrument works!
2pm—Planetarium Show
A special show of The Sky Tonight will reflect the theme of Lunar New Year by featuring traditional Chinese constellations. Additional ticket required.
2:30–3pm—Tai Chi
Join Dr. Shi Jia-Ling for a demonstration and workshop in this ancient Chinese art that embraces the mind, body, and spirit.
3–3:45pm—Indonesian Dance & Music
Enjoy a performance of Balinese dance and traditional percussive Gamelan Gender Wayang music by Dharma Swara.
3:30pm—Planetarium ShowTake a 13.8-billion-year adventure through time and space with the Time Master in We Are Stars. Additional ticket required.
4pm—Korean Drum Dance
Members of the New York Korean Performing Arts Center will perform a rhythmic dance with drums.