FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Stretching for the snake

Stretching for the snake

China sends Thailand its best acrobats,drummers and dancers to celebrate the new year festival

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport promises to be a hive of activity this week as thousands of Chinese performers jet into Thailand to entertain us as we welcome the year of the snake.
As ever, the best place to celebrate will be Thailand’s China Town, Yaowarat, where vibrant cultural shows can be experienced virtually non-stop over February 10 and 11.
The city’s leading department stores are also hosting free cultural shows from China as they aim to attract more consumers and boost their sales.
On the east side of the city, Mega Bangna is going high-tech for Chinese New Year with a festival that kicks off on Friday and runs to February 17. The highlights include LED illuminated and sound surround dragon and lion performances along with grand rhythmic 5 great element synchronised drum performances which, in ancient times, symbolised the beginning of war.
Performances by Peking Lion Dance will feature a giant lion jumping through a plum blossom pole and more than 40 dancers taking part in the 45-metre-long dragon dance accompanied by exciting live drum performances, so don’t forget the ear muffs. Live performances start daily from 5pm. Find out more by visiting www.Mega-Bangna.com or call (02) 105 1000.
Also in Bangkok’s eastern suburbs, Paradise Park is toasting the snake from Thursday through during February 11, with the Phu Yang acrobats from Hunan district returning to perform the “Emerald Tiger Defeating Dragon Pole”. Watch them as the form an exciting acrobatic pyramid to reach the top of the dragon pole.
Slender and smooth best describes the performers in “Lady and the Dragon Glass”, a fantasy of dance, music and acrobatics. The shows take place every evening at 6 at Royal Park Plaza with 3pm matinees on the weekend.
Call (02) 787 1000 or visit www.ParadisePark.co.th.
Future Park is also playing host to classical Chinese acrobatic shows from Friday. More than 60 world champion acrobats from Guangzhou and Changsha, the capital city of Hunan, will stage exciting performances over a 10 day-festival designed under the theme “The Battle of Swing” and featuring 15 shows. Highlights include aero-flying performances, flying dance with the giant windmills, gymnastic shows and “bone-less” performances. The shows begin nightly at 9 at Alive Park near Robinson. Check schedules at (02) 958-0011 extensions 1162, 1886, 1036 and 1026.
 

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