The performance was really
worth taking the time out to do. I enjoyed the time with everyone and
I was able to get to know the other members of Tzu Ching more. They organized a
couple rehearsals here at school on Fridays and we would practice for hours. If
some of us did not understand some part of the dance, everyone would take
the time to help us learn it. Everybody was super friendly and very helpful. They
understood how important the perfomance was and wanted to make sure everything
was perfect.
I initially did not think
that it would be very fun because I felt that the rehearsals were really
tedious. At first, some parts of the videos were a bit confusing
because the movements weren't that clear. I also had a hard time memorizing the
entire performance because my Chinese isn't good enough to fully understand the
lyrics. However, after I had properly learned the dance and most of the lyrics,
everything seemed to go very smoothly and I had a fun time.
The day of the performance
was definitely a great and exciting day. Originally, I had also got up early to
help with the preparations, but I was only allowed to set up the books, cds,
shop, tables, and other stuff. I wanted to help out more, but all the
ShiGus didn't want the girls to carry heavy stuff. I was kinda sick
that day and ShuYun ShiGu even brought me Airbourne to drink - which tastes
disgusting. I'm glad we had a final practice that day to rehearse the whole
thing - especially the lantern part, because that was the most confusing. It
was also funny when everybody messed up so much ShiGu would yell at us. The
actual performance couldn't have gone any better. I didn't mess up one bit.
Though, I wish I could have seen the little kids' entire performance or even
our performance. Afterward, I was surprised that everyone was able to receive a
red envelope. I was happy to have received their blessings to start the new
year. I felt that all my hard work put into the performance and into
maintaining a meat-free diet for two weeks had all been for a good cause.
Overall, it was a great experience that I deeply cherished and won't ever
forget.
I especially liked
the food afterward too - my favorite being the curry pastry and the cream
puffs.
Thanks,
Amy Li
李立霞
