Lunar New Year Dinner

I don’t typically attend dinners like these. The meet and greets, the dress up, the shows, and the 3 hour dinner just sounded like it hassle. I’d prefer keeping it simple with the family at home. However, unlike the past years, this time around, I was given a mission. Since my parents are pretty activity within the Richmond senior center, I was asked to part take in one of their fashion shows. Not coordinating, modeling. (?! what.) To my understanding, every year they’ve been showcasing the assorted attires from the various cultural era to celebrate the heritage of Chinese culture. This year’s no exception. Never have I done a cat walk before, we’ll see how that goes.

The venue was way larger than I expected. Around 300 attendees and a dozen of shows lined up for the evening.

↑ Check out those golden dragon (balloons, clever) in the back. Freakin’ majestic.

Show started right on time with the lively and spirited MCs. Apparently a celebration for everybody.

Kicking off the party, we had the Lion dance team. Same tricks, but never gets old.

Note to self: for glorious occasions for Chinese celebrations, use LOTS of GOLD and RED.

Couldn’t help but to examine the photographers around me. Sometimes I’d paid more attention to these folks than the actual show. Curse of a photographer. Anyway, looks like the 2.8.

↑ Stop drooling, you canon fanboys.

Capturing the moments.

Series of traditional dances throughout the night:

Antonia and her sis, Lucy are loyal attendees of the annual Lunar events:

Her uncle’s a performer, too:

Dance workshops that got people off their bums to burn out their lunar dinner calories.

Seems effective.

My aunt’s beauty:

The 11 year old prodigies awe the crowd with their stunning performances. Professional ballroom dancers. Insane.

Soon the time’s come for the fashion show.

I was an ancient warrior that passed out candies and red envelopes to the crowd. I had a mixed feeling between amicability and masculinity. Obviously, I failed at both.