Join us outdoors in celebrating new additions to our koi pond and the Buddhist practice of fangsheng (from Mandarin Chinese 放生) or “releasing life” with the modern group dance Holy Shower by Sunshine Dance!
About the Dance: Holy Shower is inspired by the Tibetan Bathing Festival, known as Gamariji, a centuries-old tradition rooted in the belief that the sacred waters of rivers and lakes possess purifying and healing powers during a specific lunar period. The modern group dance draws from this rich cultural ritual, embodying the grace and gratitude of the human spirit in communion with nature. In the context of our koi release ceremony, this dance becomes a moving tribute to the interconnectedness of all living beings. Just as the Tibetan waters offer liberation, the release of the koi into a sanctuary pond is a compassionate gesture of freedom and reverence for life—an echo of the same values celebrated in the festival and dance.
About Sunshine Dance: Sunshine Dance is a New York–based organization composed of professional dancers and passionate enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and promoting Chinese culture through the teaching and performance of Chinese classical dance. Since 2015, the group has brought uplifting, culturally rich performances to major events such as the New York Dance Festival and Chinese New Year Galas. With graceful storytelling and expressive movement, Sunshine Dance seeks to foster joy, mindfulness, and cross-cultural understanding.
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