P.S. 105 welcomes in Lunar New Year

According to the Chinese zodiac, anyone born in the Year of the Goat is described to have delicate thoughts, perseverance and strong creativity.

This “Goat” spirit of the Lunar New Year was captured by P.S. 105 – The Blythebourne School — as it celebrated  the annual holiday with four daytime and two evening performances on February 11 and 12.

The highlights of the New Year presentation were put together by students and teachers as they wore colorful garb and performed dances inspired by Chinese tradition over different time periods.

“This was wonderful,” said Yu Lu, one of the dance consultants. “I’ve been working in this school for 10 years now and I see the children grow. Some of them have already graduated and every year, I see how they improve – not only in dance, but also in exam and studies. I’m looking forward every year to working with the children and they already know me. It’s a good way to celebrate our heritage and it’s important to show how America is a melting pot.”

One standout performance was the Chinese Zither (GuZheng) Solo, “Spring Comes to Snow Mountain,” by Ashley Huang.

The performances impressed spectators and showcased just what P.S. 105, known as one of the largest Brooklyn elementary schools with close to 1,800 students, has to offer

“This is what we’re all about and the children seemed poised, confident and ready to learn to celebrate their own culture,” said Principal Johanna Castronovo. “This school is [roughly] 95 percent Asian and of course, we have to acknowledge their contributions and we do it through music and art, and through artwork [outside the school] as well. It was good. Everyone participated from our custodial workers to administration to parents.”