CHINESE PARADE USHERS IN YEAR OF THE DOG

BY MAYRA MARTINEZ
Contributing Writer

Take a look at our photo essay! (pdf file)

Parade participants display the commonly used dragons during the celebration. LUBOMIRA RAYKOVA / GUARDSMAN

Several hundred thousand people converged on San Francisco’s Chinatown to usher in the Year of the Dog at the annual Chinese New Year parade on Feb. 12 with floats of dragons, dancers and colorful banners.

The parade drew throngs of spectators from all over the country that came to watch, or participate in the 140-year-old parade, which is the largest celebration outside of China.

While the Chinese New Year’s Parade snaked its way through the streets of San Francisco, more than 1,500 sleuths raced through unknown back alleys and hidden streets in search of treasure.

The annual Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt began in the shadows of throngs of people celebrating the Year of the Dog and led its participants with challenging clues throughout the city.

Some people might have participated solely for the prize: a bottle of champagne and a cake. Most, however, put on their detective hats for old-fashioned competition and teamwork.

“I enjoy showing people the city in new and creative ways and seeing them have the joy of discovery,” said Jayson Wechter, founder of the private event.

If the participants are the clue solvers, then Wechter is the clue master.

Wechter alone came up with all of the clues for the three separate ranks: beginner, regular and masters. Wechter, who works as a private investigator, said he used to have treasure hunts as a kid. Today, he enjoys providing the opportunity for people to awaken the detective in all of them.

The clues come from popular culture, film noir, science, history and literature.

“Once your mind starts to work that way, it gets easier and easier to figure them out,” said City College student Dijana Steinmetz, who participated in the hunt for the second year with her husband and friends.

Many participants find it helpful to work closely with friends. “It is great for team building, a greater appreciation of the city and the sense of satisfaction,” Wechter said.

One drawing aspect for participants is the chance of discovering new parts of the city that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

“I used to do it for the martini after,” said event volunteer Barbara Gersh, who has won the masters’ hunt in the past. There are more reasons that have kept her coming back year after year.

“I’ve lived in San Francisco since 1972, and every year I see something I’ve never seen before,” she said.

People huddled in groups at Justin Hermann Plaza. Students from the Circus Center entertained the crowd near the walkways of the Vaillancourt Fountains.

The crowd got into the spirit of Chinese New Year with contests for best dog pun and the annual costume competition. The award-winning pun was simple but clever: “Rex marks the spot.” “Bark Back Mountain” won best costume, a group of friends dressed as dalmations, with one dressed in red as every dogs’ best accessory — a fire hydrant.

Partial proceeds of the hunt went to the Circus Center and the San Francisco Food Bank.

e-mail: e_a@theguardsman.com

DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE SPEAKS WITH LANGUAGE OF MOTON AND MUSIC

BY MAYRA MARTINEZ
Editor

In his solo performance “Awassa Astridge,” William Gil channels an ostrich, king of the birds. PAIGE DWYER / GUARDSMAN

An old Hopi Indian proverb states: “To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.” For the crowd in attendance at the annual Dallas Black Dance Theatre performance in the Diego Rivera Theatre, the dancers spoke of passion, fear, love and struggle.

Packed with raw emotion, the dances washed over those watching like a wave.

“We have so much to learn from the dancers,” said Stephanie Lyons, concert and lecture series coordinator at City College. “We hope that you dance more, dance big and dance happy.”

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre, a 29-year-old company based in Texas, has traditionally played at City College for Black History Month, a very busy time for the group.

“We always look forward to it,” said Allyne Gartrell, who is in his fourth season with the company. “It’s nice to be in the Bay Area with all of its different cultures.” Every dance told a story.

At the core of the performances were elemental but crucial emotions and relationships that hold life together between family, friends and lovers.

“Brother to Brother,” the second performance between two men, displayed dancers leaning on each other one minute, then battling and challenging each other the next.

The challenging, complex movements and choreography matched the same complexities that exist in relationships between any two people.

“I try to commit my spirit,” said Gartrell, who danced in “Brother to Brother.” “Whatever language I’m speaking through my dance, the audience can decipher for themselves.”

Luana, an instructor in City College’s dance department who goes only by that name, brought her students to see first hand a
professional dance company at work.

“I brought them to be inspired, to have them see what it is like to be an actor and a dancer,” she said.

Another highlight of the event was “Awassa Astrige,” a solo performance in which dancer William Gil transforms himself into an ostrich, the king of birds. Dressed in a green, yellow and white-feathered costume, he emanated the grand status of the bird with boastful and graceful struts across stage.

“Dancing is acting,” Dallas Black Theatre founder Ann Williams said.

The dancers come from all over and get the chance to travel across the country. More than half the dancers are in their first year with the company, and Williams is always looking for new additions.

“We have 13 dancers. They are all different with different training,” Williams said. She looks for more than just dance training when choosing dancers. “Personality makes it interesting,” she said.

Williams hopes that audiences will come away with an appreciation for the art of dance and a renewed appreciation for everyday life.
“I hope people come away uplifted, exuberant,” she said.

e-mail: e_a@theguardsman.com