Chinese honor U.S. home with a celebration of Lunar New Year

TAMPA, Fla. — The Dance of the Jasmine Flower has been part of Anna Liu’s life for two decades.

She is the art director for upcoming the Lunar New Year celebration at the Straz Center in Tampa.

“They are preparing for a year already,” Liu said. “They practice so hard.”

For 25 years, members of the Chinese American Association of Tampa have shared their culture — woven into Florida’s melting pot of immigrants.

Lunar New Year is a chance to offer their part in this Tampa Bay area’s tapestry of humanity.

“And the age is from 9 years old to 70 years old in one dance,” Liu said. That’s amazing.”

The dance introduces Chinese traditions to the greater community — and the next generation of Chinese Americans.

“I’m so happy to do it. It’s an opportunity to give the culture to the little kids, to share with their families,” Liu said. “When they practice, it’s not only about dance. It’s about the culture.”