Chinese New Year off to a galloping start

South High School Cultural Society members, from left, Maya Voytelmgum, Kayla Pascual and Valerie Pascuzzi performed a Chinese Ribbon Dance for children at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library last Saturday afternoon to celebrate the new year.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Cultural Society member Marcello Rivera worked with children to teach them traditional Chinese activities.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Jeffrey Hsi, advisor to the Cultural Society, helped his daughter, Jacqueline, find a fortune cookie.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Dennis Cortez taught Morgane Kapto Chinese Tai Chi racquet ball.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Zach Zemel and Jerry Merchan, members of South’s Cultural Society, demonstrated Chinese yo-yos at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Asha Gajraj tried Filipino stick dancing after it was demonstrated by South High students last Saturday.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Children watched in amazement during a performance of the lion dance.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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The South High School Cultural Society entertained about 60 children and adults at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library last Saturday morning to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Kids gathered around to watch members of Valley Stream’s Cultural Society perform a variety of dances featuring ribbons, yo-yos and lion costumes. The high school students then worked with the young children to teach them the nuances of the routines.

The Cultural Society, led by teacher Jeffrey Hsi, has hosted several performances at the library over the past few years to mark a variety of holidays from around the world. The Chinese New Year celebration has quickly turned into one of its more popular programs. “It has become a tradition,” Library Director Mamie Eng said.

The Chinese New Year officially begins on Jan. 31. Year 4712 celebrates the horse.