Our imagination, as a result, is filled with images of a dancing dragon invoking what’s to come. Here are some dragon dance prompts that come to mind as we welcome the new year. Make a dance from these prompts, if you wish, in any order that you choose. Consider it a score for an improvisation. And, please make a point to visit us in our new community dance center when we open.

Feel the heat. “The Dragon is Yang, and the most powerful symbol of the Chinese Zodiac,” explains Co-Executive Director Nancy Ng. “In the balance of Yin and Yang, Yang brings energy, fire and the warmth of the sun, which we are experiencing as the days grow longer from now until Luna opens this Spring. The Wood Dragon year is a time for new beginnings, and the Wood Element, mother of the Fire Element, ignites passion, creativity and invention.” Share the warmth.

Breathe and reach. We are taking stock. We have been engaging in deep and rigorous reckoning to assess our accomplishments over a three-decade life, and we have sustained our essential programs. “Luna’s focus on equity and inclusion requires paying attention,” reflects Founder and Co-Executive Director Patricia Reedy, “having the courage to ask the right questions and the creativity to stretch what is known into what is possible (what in Dragon-speak might be referred to as revolutionary ideas!).” We’ve managed to stay afloat and navigate an expanding horizon during an unprecedented moment of historic upheaval. Now, we move with thought and grace.

Connect with others. Luna is, first and foremost, an organization dedicated to service. “Dragon holds its position in the Zodiac because he observed suffering and took time to attend to the needs of others,” says Patricia. “Luna’s longevity and enduring relationships with our community can be treasured in this year of wood.” The Luna dragon is held aloft by our community; each person holds a part of it as it weaves through space.

Connect with others, again! The Wood Dragon reminds us of our dedicated responsibility to others, especially those who lack access to empowering arts and education resources. “As Luna begins anew, we will continue to be deeply passionate about our mission to bring creativity, equity and community to every child through the art of dance,” affirms Nancy. “And through services for the significant human beings in a child’s life—parents, artists, educators, community workers—we support their passion for bringing dance to children through programs that include family dance classes, educational opportunities for teachers, and a BIPOCQ artist residency.”

Find many pathways. “One of the performers that leads the traditional dragon dance carries a sphere on a pole, the mystical Pearl of Wisdom that symbolizes the dragon's search for knowledge, wisdom and truth,” observes Director at Large John-Mario Sevilla. Luna affirms that we are a learning organization. A moving body is a learning body. We will continue to plumb the complexity and interconnection of the world and serve under-resourced, historically marginalized, colonized, and disenfranchised communities. Explore all levels. Test your limits. Discover depth.

Shift your perspective. “The dragon year is a special one for me,” shares Director of Programs Jochelle Pereña. “My daughter was born at the end of a dragon year, ‘riding the tail of the dragon,’ as my Taiwanese friends have explained. I envision her perspective constantly changing to follow the dragon’s undulating body.” What else can you see when you move towards, away, backwards and upside down?

Dance the dream. According to Nancy, “The Wood Dragon also symbolizes leadership and change. At Luna Dance & Creativity, we are optimistic that the foundation of a community dance hub will generate new ideas and a generation of leaders, whose work ripples out like the slithering movements of the Dragon dance so that all children have opportunities to experience dance, which is necessary for life.” Our vision is to provide a safe space and community for children, creative practitioners, educators and child caretakers to experience the power, liberation and joy of movement.

End the dance where you started, create a new ending with a Dragon wish of your own, or repeat for as long as you wish.

We, at Luna, would like to acknowledge that you’ve been an integral part of our journey. We hope you’ll join our dragon dance for the next stage of Luna’s ongoing evolution. We can’t wait to see you at 931 Ashby Ave.

We wish you and your loved ones a Happy Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon!

Patricia Reedy, Nancy Ng, John-Mario Arcilla Sevilla, Jochelle Pereña

Luna’s Leadership Team