Lunar New Year & AAPI Programs with Kaeshi Chai

Bring the joy of Lunar New Year and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month to your school or library with an interactive cultural experience led by dancer, teaching artist, and movement specialist Kaeshi Chai.

These lively, hands-on programs combine movement, storytelling, language, and creative play to introduce children and families to Chinese cultural traditions in an engaging and memorable way. Participants learn through doing, dancing, balancing, exploring language, and celebrating together.

Program Highlights

Participants will:

  • Learn about animals from China, New Zealand, and Australia

  • Discover the history and meaning of Chinese characters and pictograms

  • Practice simple Chinese words and phrases such as:

    • Hello

    • Thank You

    • Awesome

  • Hear the traditional story of the Nian Monster

  • Join a joyful Dragon Dance parade

  • Learn about and embody the Chinese Zodiac animals

  • Explore gentle Tai Chi and Qigong movements

  • Try beginner-friendly chopstick skills through playful challenges

  • Learn simple paper folding techniques

  • Practice Chinese dance movements such as Cloud Step and Lotus Hands

  • Leap over “fire” for good luck

  • Develop posture and balance through movement activities

  • Receive Fire Horse stickers to take home

This interactive program encourages curiosity, confidence, creativity, and cultural appreciation while keeping children actively engaged.

Silk Fans, Veils & Tai Chi Fan Demonstration

Participants experience the beauty and excitement of traditional movement arts through colorful props and demonstrations.

Program highlights include:

  • Silk fan dancing

  • Flowing veil dancing

  • Dynamic Tai Chi / Kung Fu Fan demonstration

  • A spectacular 16.4-foot (5-meter) Dragon Dance

Perfect For

  • Libraries

  • Public and private schools

  • Cultural celebrations

  • Assemblies

  • Family programs

  • After-school programs

  • Festivals

Programs can be adapted for:

  • Pre-K

  • Elementary school

  • Mixed-age family audiences

About Kaeshi Chai

Kaeshi Chai is an internationally recognized dancer, teaching artist, and cultural educator with decades of experience working with both children and adults. Her engaging programs combine movement, storytelling, language, and cultural exploration to create joyful and meaningful learning experiences.

Kaeshi has presented interactive cultural programs for schools, libraries, and community organizations throughout California and New York.

California partners include:
Big City Montessori School (San Francisco), Les Petits Francophones Preschool (Oakland), Little School (Mill Valley), Paradise Place (Sacramento), Brook Knoll Elementary (Santa Cruz), and the Humboldt Literacy Project, including programs at the Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Fortuna, Hoopa, and Willow Creek libraries.

New York partners include:
92NY, Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School (Queens), P.S. 108 (Brooklyn), C.S. 61 (Bronx), P.S. 146 (East Harlem), P.S. 81 (Queens), P.S. 310 (Bronx), and House of the Roses at the Regent Family Residence (Manhattan).

Her programs inspire curiosity, creativity, cultural appreciation, and confidence, offering participants an opportunity to learn through movement, imagination, and shared cultural experiences.

Booking Information

Programs typically run 25–75 minutes and can be customized to fit your schedule and space.

Available for:

  • Lunar New Year (January–February)

  • Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)

  • Year-round cultural programming

To inquire about availability and pricing:

Email: kaeshi@gmail.com
Phone: (917) 355-9150