The Language of Community

A flash of red and gold. Three lions and a dragon. One evening when I was working, a group of our members came into the club with vibrant, stunning costumes for dance rehearsal. Dance? My eyes lit up. Chinese New Year was coming up, and they were going to be performing at their annual celebration. As the dragon and lion costumes moved through the lobby, their big, bright eyes met mine and gave me a look that said, “We have a story to tell.” I’ve always admired the colorful dragons as seen in Chinese culture, but I’d never seen one in person, much less this close. Needless to say, my curiosity was piqued…

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…Watching the rehearsal inside our studio, I was amazed at the colors and intricacy of the costumes. The lions’ eyes could wink! The long, golden, tubular body of the dragon was dancing through the air, guided by seven young dancers. Whoosh! Up and around and down it went, while other dancers dressed as lions weaved in and out between the rising and falling of the dragon’s dance. A captivating display of art, athleticism, and culture in each sweeping movement. I watched in awe while the parents spoke fondly of their Chinese New Year traditions. Their families have participated in this event here in Evansville for many years now. This dance that used to be performed by the fathers of this group has now been passed down to their kids to carry on the tradition. A tradition which originated from Chinese culture over 2,000 years ago! “Would you like to come to the event?” one of the parents asked me. Enthralled by all things related to dance and culture, I was honored by the invitation!

The night of the celebration arrived. As my friends and I walked through the door of the host church, we were greeted warmly by hosts dressed in traditional Chinese attire. We could smell the delicious scents of Chinese cuisine wafting from the dinner party room while the magical notes of the music were setting the tone for the evening. New Year…new beginnings…a hope for good fortune in the coming year. We could feel the excitement in the air, and we found a place to watch from, eager for the magic to unfold. Of course, I was looking forward to the dragon and lion dance. I looked over and something caught my eye. A flash of red and gold. Three lions and a dragon. The vibrant, stunning costumes were dancing to the beat of a loud, energetic style of drumming like I’d never heard before. I was awestruck.

The dancers moved down the aisles of the auditorium and onto the stage. I was captivated by the symbolism woven into this beautiful performance. In Chinese culture, the lion is seen as a fierce and protective creature, and the dragon is a divine, powerful, and auspicious creature. Together their dance is meant to foster a sense of unity and bring positive energy and good fortune to the New Year. Seeing it in rehearsal was amazing, yes, but when the undulating movements were paired with the traditional clothing, loud drumming, and energy in the room, these dancers transported us all to another place and told a story I’ll never forget.

Not only was this celebration hosted by the Chinese community of Evansville, but by the Chinese community of the entire Tri-State area. The hosts spoke in Mandarin and then in English, helping the guests to understand each segment happening within the celebration. Chinese New Year was an inspiring, beautiful story composed of dance, fashion, music, songs sung in Mandarin, and a delicious, authentic potluck dinner. A magical display of old traditions for the season of new beginnings. It didn’t matter that my friends and I couldn’t understand the words of the songs; the message was clear, and we were welcome within their community.

Connection and community. Such beautiful words. This celebration of family and culture was special to me because I was able to witness the talents of many people I interact with at the athletic club on a regular basis. As I think back to the group of kids and parents rehearsing in our club’s studio that first night, I can’t help but marvel at the connections that happen here at Genesis Health Clubs. I like to think of it as the stories we tell each other, and the stories we’re writing together every day. Not only is this a place for health and fitness, but a place for family. For learning from each other. For growing together. We’re more than a club; we’re a second home to so many people in the Tri-State area, and we speak the language of community. If you’re a member here, we’re so glad you’re part of our Genesis family. If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to come find community and a new beginning with us. We have more stories yet to tell...