Philadelphia New Year celebration highlights traditional Chinese culture

More than 100 young Chinese Americans have charmed fans of traditional Chinese folk dances and costumes in a grand New Year celebration performance.

Starting from 7 p.m. Sunday, the two-hour New Year party featured 15 programs ranging from Chinese folk dances, classic dances to Chinese national costume-themed fashion show.

Warming up earnestly and performing with full concentration, young artists, aged from six to 18, most of whom are American-born Chinese, enjoyed the gala. Meanwhile, they also felt the urge to inherit Chinese culture.

Nie Manman, 11, who played a leading role in "Red Lantern," a folk dance of Chinese ethnic Han, said learning Chinese dances has inspired her to know more about her cultural root.

"Red lantern is a symbol of good luck and happiness. I'm very happy to perform the dance, thus helping add more festivity amid the new year," the young artist told Xinhua, adding that she would continue to learn more Chinese dances since "they are interesting, and with quite charm and artistic style."

The New Year celebration is an annual event organized by Greater Philadelphia Chinese School of Union (GPCSU) since 2012.

Established in 2011, the GPCSU consists of seven member schools in Philadelphia region, aiming to promote Chinese language education and Chinese culture as well as increase collaboration between Chinese language schools in the area.