Dance of Blessings 婆姐祝福慶元宵 2026 Rockville Lantern Festival

Описание: Dance of Blessings is a contemporary tribute to the vibrant Taiwanese folk ritual of the "Twelve Po-Jieh"—the legendary Guardians of Children. Traditionally seen as one of Taiwan’s most iconic parade troupes, the Po-Jieh are celebrated as twelve magical women who united to shield their villages from harm. As helpers to the Goddess of Childbirth, they serve as protectors of mothers and newborns, symbolizing safety, joy, and the sanctity of family.

Performed by Luminous Guardians, a collective of mothers, teachers, and students from the Washington DC Taiwanese School, this piece weaves the spirit of ancient prayer into the language of movement. By bringing these generations and roles together on stage, the performance transcends boundaries, transforming a local ritual into a universal dialogue of love.

As the protective spirit of the Guardians unfolds, the piece transitions into a celebration of the Lantern Festival. Marking the first full moon of the lunar year, this "Festival of Light" represents the arrival of spring and the triumph of hope. In this movement, the dancers utilize golden rings to mirror the brilliance of the full moon and long-tailed fans to trace the fluid path of light through the darkness. These movements symbolize the transmission of wisdom and the flow of blessings from mother to child and teacher to student. We hope this intergenerational tribute serves as a reminder of the power of community and leaves you with a profound sense of warmth and an enduring hope for the world