ChinaFest: Year of the Wood Dragon took place Feb. 3 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The celebration of the Lunar New Year included vibrant performances, hands-on art activities, and collaborative community art-making project.

Dancers from Yu Dance Arts were among several performers to the delight of museum goers.

Right, dancers Bella (left), Angela (center), and Amy (right) of On The One Dance Co. performed “Swimming Upstream and Jumping.”

The dance, inspired by the form of a fish, embodies excitement, resilience, and an enterprising spirit, reflecting the courage of individuals navigating challenges in this era. It symbolizes perseverance against adversity, with dancers pushing against the current and braving the elements. In Chinese culture, fish symbolize luck and prosperity.

Right, Dragon dancers of the Choy Wun Dance Troupe also were part of the many creative performers.