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By
Virginia Lee
The Year of the Sheep began on February 1, 2003 with a gala celebration to usher in the Chinese New Year. At St. Louis Community College, Forest Park, hundreds of people filled the theatre to celebrate the beginning of Lunar Year 4701.
The program was organized by the St. Louis Chinese Association with two local Chinese language schools and many associations and organizations support, included the Circus Day Foundation. Some of the businesses who helped promote the program included American Express Financial Advisors, RE/MAX Suburban, Liberty Mutual Group. Coldwell Bankers Gundaker, Experienced Mortgage Professionals, Allstate Insurance and the New Central Group.
 
Individuals from all backgrounds were invited to enjoy this extravaganza. Me, my two granddaughters and a friend were delighted to be a part of this New Years celebration. Invited by our good friends, May and Francis Yueh, together with all happy audience, we observed and appreciated the costumes, the artistic ability and beauty of the performers.
My husband Bill and I traveled in China a little over a year ago and had the opportunity to see some of the country, observe the culture and meet the wonderful people of China. Our granddaughters now had a chance to become acquainted with Chinese culture and to know how the people of China observe their holidays. We were excited about being part of this festive occasion.
Dr.
Mingyi Deng
At the beginning of the show, the master of ceremony, Dr. Mingyi Deng, requested we bow our heads in prayer and observe a moment of silence for the crew of the space ship Columbia. It was a very solemn moment for the entire audience.
 
The show continued with performers from all age groups. It featured traditional and modern dance, singing by both male and female choral groups, music played on traditional Chinese instruments and a tremendous acrobatic troupe, who did hoop diving and tumbling. The performance by a beautiful female soprano was one of the highlights of the show. Of course, the Lion Dancers from the St. Louis Modern Chinese School were the hit of the night with children and adults alike.
 
St.
Louis Arches Circus Day Foundation
It was an exciting and colorful event that will be remembered and discussed among our family and friends for the entire Lunar Year. We hope we will be invited to share other Chinese events in the coming year.
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