Two dancers from the Ascent Lion Dance Troupe perform a lion dance during the Lunar New Year Show at the University Memorial Center on Feb. 4, 2023. (Isabella Hammond/CU Independent)
Volunteer models, lion dancers, V-pop dancers and singers gathered onstage at the University Memorial Center on Feb. 4. Performers from various cultures across Asia celebrated the Lunar New Year in the Glenn Miller Ballroom, surrounded by colorful paper umbrellas and lanterns.
The University of Colorado Boulder’s Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) and the Cultural Events Board hosted the annual Lunar New Year Show for the first time in person since 2020.
“This show has meant nothing more to us, especially after this year, due to COVID-19 [and] being on hiatus. But not only that, the rise in AAPI [Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders] hate crime has been more important than ever,” said VSA President Calee Nguyen, referring to an 89% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes from 2019 to 2021.
Lunar New Year marked the beginning of the lunar calendar based on the moon’s cycles, most often celebrated in East Asia. This new year began on Jan. 22, ushering in the Year of the Rabbit or the Year of the Cat, depending on the culture. The crowd on Friday cheered the loudest for the Year of the Cat in an informal vote led by the co-hosts, Tyler Huynh and Andy Tran.
University of Colorado Boulder students and community members line up for free food at the Night Market before the Lunar New Year Show on Feb. 4, 2023. (Isabella Hammond/CU Independent)
Co-hosts Tyler Huynh (center) and Andy Tran (bottom) perform a skit for the audience on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. (Isabella Hammond/CU Independent)
The event began with a Night Market, where local Asian vendors provided free food and drinks to attendees, while multicultural clubs on campus shared information about their organizations.
“We want to be involved and get to know new people who might be interested in our club. We want to…
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