Rose Festival Performance – Saturday, June 11, 2011
This was the first entry by the local Chinese community organizations to collectively participate in the 2011 Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade in Portland, Oregon.
This entry was well represented by two excellent Chinese performing groups including 30 Chinese waist drum dancers and 20 imperial and minority costume marchers. Our entry was also supported by the Lee’s Association Lion and Dragon Dancers.
For a collection of pictures, please see them here.
Chinese Waist Drum Marching Team
The Chinese Waist Drum Marching Team, under Art Director Ms. Lily Ye, with 30 beautiful dancers from the Vancouver Chinese Association. The drums, being carried on the dancers’ waists, were originated in northern Shanxi Province of China more than 3,000 years ago. It was a tool for soldiers stationed at the borders to sound alarms and to train troops. The drums accompanied the rhythm of the horse’s hooves, as the soldiers yelled and advanced.
Today, playing the waist drum is a recreational activity to express happiness and passionate feelings during Chinese New Year and other Chinese festivals and holidays. Waist drum marching is excellent way to showcase Chinese culture. The Vancouver Chinese Association and its Drum Marching Team proudly expressed the feelings of the Chinese community and they were all very proud to be participating in this Grand Floral Parade.
Chinese Imperial And Minority Costume Marching Group
The Chinese Imperial and Minority Costume Marching group was presented by the Portland Art & Cultural Center and the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland.
These performers were wearing costumes from the imperial Chinese courts, some dating a few hundred years ago. These costumes are very elegantly designed and sewn together, with colorful and imperial patterns. In the marching group, some were wearing selective minority dancing costumes. There are 56 minorities in China and each minority has its uniquely designed costumes.
Lee’s Association Lion And Dragon Dancers
The lion and dragon dancers were following the Chinese community entry to show support and join in with the celebration of this important occasion.
Celebration Dinner – Sunday, June 19, 2011
The first celebration dinner was held on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Wong’s King Restaurant in Portland. We used this dinner to celebrate a successful first entry in Rose Festival Parade and to recognize all our performers, volunteers, organizers and sponsors. Above all, it will be a fun and enjoyable evening for the community!
