we are commemorating the year of the snake with our lunar new year celebration every weekend in february which includes artmaking, storytelling, a zodiac stroll, calligraphy demonstrations, photo opportunities and a menu featuring specialty foods and hand-mixed cocktails for purchase! wushu shaolin entertainment is bringing back several crowd-pleasing performances including the lion dance, dragon dance, martial arts demonstrations, folk dances and more. wushu shaolin entertainment has performed around the world and is considered a leader in the chinese cultural performance industry. we were able to ask sal redner, shifu (leader) of wushu shaolin entertainment, a few questions regarding this year’s lunar new year. check it out below and then come see one of the performances happening at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. every saturday and sunday in february. tickets for the show are $6 for members and up to $23 for non-members (includes general garden admission). all other lunar new year activities are included with general garden admission.
q: what does lunar new year mean to you and your company?
sal: lunar new year represents a new beginning with opportunities for shedding old skin and embracing new possibilities. over the years, we have evolved from a simple martial arts school performing for local lunar new year events to traveling the world and sharing our unique cultural artistry with audiences from all walks of life. lunar new year is the most important holiday tradition in asia, and specifically throughout china, giving everyone a rebirth. the importance of lunar new year is almost religious and spiritual in nature, and our team has been rehearsing for months to deliver one of the most exceptional and awe-inspiring performances south coast botanical garden has ever had. this year’s performance will feature our brand new wood snake dragon costume with unique green and multicolor embroidery. the snake is known for its wisdom and intuition, which carries rich symbolism and significance. the combination of the snake and the wood element emphasizes the theme of rebirth and transformation like the shedding of its old skin to embody personal growth.
q: what does the year of the snake mean to you?
sal: the snake is also cautious, preferring to plan before acting while being observant, while also embodying charm and elegance, beauty and power. also, snakes are seen as strategic thinkers and always finding solutions. since animals are paired with the five elements in nature such as wood, fire, earth, metal and water, the zodiac calendar rotates, influencing the characteristics of each animal in their respective year. this year’s wood element represents growth and development like plants in nature. all of these attributes influence our event, giving us much more depth and guidance as we prepare for the lunar new year. our brand-new green dragon costume will be sure to encapsulate the essence of the 2025 lunar new year and instill a sense of pride, grace, and beauty.
q: what does wushu shaolin have planned for this year’s performance?
sal: in addition to the new dragon costume, guests will see our new lion costumes, specifically made for scbg, featuring unique embroidery and color schemes that are like no other lion costumes, each individually hand-painted. there will be no better place to celebrate the lunar new year in 2025 in the south bay than scbg. in addition to these new vibrant costumes, our team has prepared for months, bringing together the best of many talents to both inspire and entertain everyone in attendance.
our team, of shaolin warriors, wushu acrobats, dancers and unique performers will be sure to bring the action, with martial arts displays, high-flying acrobatics, and dazzling stage combat scenes sure to captivate any audience. we will be performing many of our crowd favorites in addition to several new acts that we will leave as a surprise so as not to spoil the show.
q: what do you enjoy most about working with 阿根廷vs沙特赔率 for this event?
sal: the most fulfilling part of our show is bridging the divide between asia and the west through dance, martial arts, and culture, and there is no better time to unite through the arts than now. it is our life’s work to promote peace and friendship between the west and e, and there’s no better way to do so than to just share the beautiful culture through our live performances. 阿根廷vs沙特赔率 is a very important proving ground, a place where diverse plants, animals, and people can gather to celebrate nature, culture and the beauty that makes us all special. although the garden is a beautiful place to see plants thrive in nature, it is also a safe space for culture, as culture is the essence of what civilization has to offer.
q: what are you looking forward to the most at this year’s celebration at the garden?
sal: knowing how much this show means to so many people in the south bay gives our team all the strength we need to deliver something truly extraordinary and we are very excited yet again to give the audience another grand spectacle. as a native to the south bay and spending most of my life here, it is my opportunity to give back to my community, and i will not leave no stone unturned as we are coming with the entire team to give it our all. with dazzling new costumes and a full troupe of very talented performers, be sure to make it out this year and experience it for yourself.
there you have it! this is a can’t-miss performance. if you don’t have your tickets yet, click here.
