By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre was alive with vibrant energy as Redleaf Cultural Integration hosted its 2025 Year of the Snake Celebration to welcome the Lunar New Year. The lobby of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre was packed with attendees eager to immerse themselves in the rich cultural festivities.
The Year of the Snake is symbolic of transformation, renewal, and wisdom — a time for shedding the past and embracing the new. Redleaf Cultural Integration embraced this theme, providing a transformative cultural experience for all to witness.
The event first featured a free cultural exhibition where visitors explored interactive displays that provided insights into Chinese traditions and artistry. One of the highlights was the tangren (糖人) or “sugar people,” a traditional Chinese folk art where hot, liquid sugar is skillfully shaped into intricate figures. Sweet treats like this, along with the vibrant stalls showcasing hand-painted fans, handmade jewelry, and other artisanal crafts, created a lively marketplace atmosphere.
The performance part of the celebration was kicked off by the lion dance, a traditional art form where performers dressed in a lion costume and mimic a lion’s movements to bring good fortune. The performers mesmerized the audience as they moved swiftly down the aisle and onto the stage in brightly coloured lion costumes.
The highly anticipated performances truly showcased the talent and dedication of the community. Local businesses demonstrated their skills, such as Wayland Li Martial Arts Centre, which demonstrated the art and power of Chinese kung fu. Young members of the Wayland Li Martial Arts Centre wowed audiences with their remarkable technique and talent.
Many other performances featured instrumental ensembles. Performers Chunjie Wang and Pingxin Xu shared their musical talents with the “Pastoral Song.” Accompanying the flute was a Chinese traditional instrument ensemble featuring a Yangqin, a Chinese hammered dulcimer played with mallets to beat the strings.
The Yuan Yin Group also performed a song using traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng, a plucked string instrument that has been played for over 2,500 years. This instrument is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese music and culture. These instrumental ensembles captivated the audience with their skill and artistry.
Redleaf Cultural Integration’s own Senior Group Choir delivered a moving performance, while their dance groups dazzled with incredible choreography that highlighted the elegance of cultural storytelling.
Among the standout moments of the evening were the beautifully styled clothing by Nova Chiu, featured in the fashion showcases. Models strutted down the stage in unique, brightly coloured outfits, giving the audience a taste of the elegance reminiscent of a Vogue fashion show.
Vocal performers like Yuxin Chen delivered a profound vocal solo of the song “The Sound of Falling Snow: The Ballad” was beautifully sung, eliciting loud applause when concluded.
Another particularly awe-inspiring performance was a duet featuring Vicky He and renowned operatic tenor Romulo Delgado, described by The Globe and Mail as “one of Canada’s most unique performing artists.”
The event was a testament to the power of community and cultural exchange, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions and a sense of unity in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Redleaf Cultural Integration’s 2025 Year of the Snake Celebration provided a truly unforgettable cultural experience.
