By Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 01/25/2024

New Year, New Fortunes! Once again the lunar New Year is upon us, with those celebrating ushering out the old year and bringing forth a year of prosperity and good fortune.
The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company honors this tradition annually at the NJPAC with a cross-cultural, immersive dance performance.
Nai-Ni Chen promotes their vision that the immigrant’s journey of crossing cultures and adapting to the new home provides endless inspiration and opportunities for creative expressions that can enrich the human experience.
Jersey Arts speaks to Executive Director, Andy Chiang, and members of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company about "The Year of the Green Wood Dragon."
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company performs at NJPAC in Newark, NJ | February 10-11, 2024 at 2:00pm. Click here for tickets.
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
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