On their feet: Gravesend students dance into Chinese New Year

These students are not Lion down on the job!

Pretty in pink: Members of IS 228’s Chinese dance troupe swept across the stage.

Photo by Steve Solomonson

Spirited student-athletes at a Gravesend middle school took their auditorium’s stage for a series of colorful dance performances before their parents and peers at a Lunar New Year celebration on Tuesday night.

Stars on stage: Members of IS 228’s Chinese dance troupe sent their ribbons soaring through the air during their performance.

Photo by Steve Solomonson

Members of the IS228 Chinese Dance Troupe donned a striking yellow costume to perform a traditional Lion dance for the crowd, which is thought to bring prosperity and good luck.

School spirit: IS 228’s cheerleaders — dubbed the Tigers — followed the Lion dancers at the celebration.

Photo by Steve Solomonson

The school’s cheerleaders — dubbed the Tigers — followed the Lion dance with an acrobatic act, while other dancers with the Chinese troupe swept across the stage in striking traditional outfits. Dancers on the school’s hip-hop team also got the crowd onto their feet as they moved to fast beats.

Fly away: Members of IS 228’s Chinese dance troupe wore light-up butterfly costumes during a special dance.

Photo by Steve Solomonson

Adminstrators at the Avenue S learning house, known as the David Broody Jr. High School, hosted the event in honor of the Chinese New Year, which officially began on Feb. 5. New Year celebrations traditionally last for 15 days, and this month’s festivities mark the beginning of the Year of the Pig, which in the Chinese zodiac represents wealth and treasure.