By Sara Wiercinski
Members of Rockhurst High School’s lion dance team performed at the Madison Senior Living Facility on February 1, in celebration of Chinese New Year.
The two-person lion puppet, operated by sophomores Jack Bosco and Jack Grisoliano, danced and collected red envelopes with cash from the residents. In the tradition of Chinese New Year, one “tips” the lion to assure prosperity and good fortune in the new year. Percussionists were senior Jabari Cambridge on drum, freshman John Grabs on the cymbal and sophomore George Reintjes playing the gong.
Shu Chun “Jackie” Shao coaches the lion dance team. The native of Taiwan has taught Mandarin at Rockhurst for ten years.
“I am very proud of our students, their performance exemplified the school’s value of ‘Men for Others,’” said Jackie. “The residents’ enthusiastic cheers and smiles made it a truly rewarding experience for the students.”
The occasion was the dance team’s first visit to a retirement center.
In addition to the lion dance team, Rockhurst’s Lion Dragon Squad shares traditional Chinese performance at local cultural and school events.