Celebrating the New School Year with Tien Circus Theater

To celebrate the beginning of the new school year, our Upper School students enjoyed an unforgettable performance by the Tien Circus Theater. This special assembly set a vibrant tone for the year ahead!

Students were welcomed back to school by Mr. David Frankenberg, Head of School, Ms. Becky Read, Upper School Principal, and Ms. Evelyn Chen, Upper School Associate Principal.

Evelyn Chen, who along with Upper School Math Teacher, Hway Anichowski, played a key role in organizing the event, shared the school’s enthusiasm for this unique cultural experience, saying, "We wanted to bring our entire Upper School community together to celebrate the beginning of the school year. It was our first time working with Tien Circus Theatre, and they put on such a great show! Their performance weaved together elements of our Taiwanese cultural roots with modern technology. They were both highly entertaining and relatable to our students."

The performance opened with a thunderous drumming sequence that immediately captured the audience's attention. The drumming set the stage for a nontraditional yet exhilarating lion dance. Typically performed at milestone events to bring luck and good fortune, this lion dance took a more interactive approach. The dancers took to the stands in vibrant lion costumes, giving students an up-close and personal experience. The energy in the room was electric as the lions moved through the aisles, encouraged by the cheers and applause from our students.

Following the lion dance, the troupe showcased the art of Bian Lian (變臉), or "face changing." This traditional Chinese performance art, where performers swiftly change between brightly colored masks, left the audience in awe. The intricate and quick transitions between masks, each more elaborate than the last, highlighted the performers' incredible skill and precision. The excitement continued to build with a series of aerial acrobatics, juggling acts, and astonishing feats of gymnastic skill.

The grand finale was nothing short of mesmerizing. With the gym lights dimmed, the performers closed their show with a dancing Chinese dragon, piloted by puppeteers and illuminated by LED lights. The dragon, a symbol of courage, confidence, and ambition, glowed brilliantly in the dark, creating a magical and inspiring atmosphere.

We hope our students enjoyed the show as much as we did, and that this engaging and exhilarating performance by Tien Circus Theater has set the stage for a thrilling start to the school year!