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By Alice Chen-Sher
Hundreds of women dressed up for the occasion and showed up in a jubilant mood for the New Year celebration. At the registration area by the main entrance of the hotel, people mingled, took pictures with friends, and enjoyed the Chinese Painting and Chinese Knotting Exhibitions. The event was a great opportunity for people to catch up with old friends and also to make new friends.
The Luncheon was held at the Grand Ballroom, which was large enough to accommodate hundreds of guests. At the start of the luncheon, the MC introduced some distinguished guests seated at the head table, which included diplomats from various countries, former presidents of Welcome to Taipei International Club (WTIC).
After the formal introductions, the energetic Lion Dance began on time and set the mood for the Lunar New Year celebration. The Lion danced around comically on the main stage with acrobatic moves. Then, the Lion jumped down from the stage to play with the audience. Several lucky guests from the head tables received lucky items from the Lion such as pineapples, radish, candies, and etc. In exchange for receiving the lucky items, the guests gave red envelops to the Lion in return.
The greeting remark was made by Vice President Lily Chiu. She explained that President Lin Chih was abroad with her husband as a special envoy. Vice President Lily Chiu thanked the volunteers and the Chairs of the Interest Groups for their time and devotion to the WTIC.
The second program was Taichichuan and Kung-Fu Fan. Six performers dressed in white Kung-Fu uniforms and carrying red fans danced and moved in unison on the stage. The background melodies were chosen from Mme. Julia from Hungary. After 6 minutes of graceful performance, the performers' tranquil energy flowed across the room and set a peaceful ambiance.
Next on the list was Zumba dancing by the International Dance group. One would expect Zumba to be a Latin dance style only. However, the Zumba performance was actually a fusion of many different styles of modern dance, including robot dance and street dance. It was a delightful and witty performance that overwhelmed and impressed the audience.
Then it was relaxation time and attendees enjoyed songs performed by WTIC members as follows:
“The Chinese Folk Song Suite” by Mrs. Ray-Rong Lin
“Paratisi” by Mrs. Christine Sitanggang
“You needed me” by Mrs. Melody Yang
“Trem Bala” and “Auando a Chuva Passar” by Mrs. Shirley Carvalhedo Franco
“Tonight” by Ms. Doris Shih
Our members sang these familiar songs beautifully and created a warm atmosphere that one would experience at family gatherings. Mme. Christine Sitanggang, spouse of the Representative of Finland, sang an Indonesian song, and greeted the audience with “Gongxi Fachai and Xinnian Kuaile” at the end of her performance. Mme. Shirley Carvalhedo Franco, spouse of the Representative of Brazil, sang two songs and was accompanied by a young handsome guitarist, Mr. Paulo Salvador. At first, you might be attracted by the singers' elegant costumes and professionally done stage makeup. After enjoying the beautiful songs, the audience were all deeply appreciative of the performing members for actively sharing their talents.
The Taiwanese Aboriginal dance, Amei-cha-cha, was also performed by the International Dance group. After performing one dance on stage, the dancers came down from the stage and invited the audience to dance together. There was a spacious open area close to the head table area that was perfect for group dancing. The combination of Aboriginal dance and cha-cha was very popular and easy to learn. Everyone got down to the dance floor to learn the Amei-cha-cha. It was wonderful to learn some new dance moves and get exercise at the same time.
While the lunch buffet was being served, the raffle draw for prizes began. There were more than 50 prizes at the raffle - all prizes were donated by members. You could hear excited cheers and screams as each winning raffle was drawn. Everyone was anxiously hoping to start of the New Year with good luck by winning a prize. The winners received their prizes at the awards ceremony and took pictures with the members who donated the prizes. Congratulations to the lucky winners!
The Lunar New Year Luncheon ended with the raffle draw. With good company and delicious cuisines, it was certainly a fabulous way to kick off the sensational year of the Rooster.
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