Year of the Earth Pig: It was a celebration of the lunar new year last Saturday at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ ChinaFest: Year of the Earth Pig. Scores of families participated in the festivities that featured an exploration of Chinese art and culture through dance, calligraphy, tea tasting and art activities. Children and young adult dancers from Yu Dance Arts perform traditional Chinese dances with modern Western aesthetics. Performers from RYSE Lion Dance at VCU show off the Fut San style of lion dance that originated in ancient southern China. Youngsters could craft an Earth Pig with air-dry clay, decorate a Chinese folding fan, write their New Year’s wishes on a paper lantern, learn Chinese words and enjoy tai chi demonstrations and storytelling during the event. (Ava Reaves)
