The Chicago Bulls presented an in-arena Chinese New Year-themed performance during their match with Philadelphia 76ers Thursday night at thier home court. More than 140 performers from the local Chinese community performed Chinese Kung Fu, Dragon dance and Chinese ethnic dances, which elicited a standing ovation from the audience.
At the beginning of the performance, 35 children performed Kung Fu and martial arts. This was followed by a dragon dance and performances of some 140 dancers donning Chinese ethnic dress.
The phrases "Chinese New Year Celebration!" and "Bulls!" in both Chinese and English could be seen on the big screen above the court and around the stadium. When Bulls players entered the field, the big screen played their introduction in English as well as in Chinese. The Bulls even featured a T-shirt that says "Happy New Year" in Chinese with a pattern incorporating the Chinese lantern and the Bulls logo. The big screen also played videos of two Bulls players trying to use chopsticks to pick up candies from a bowl.
This year, a record 12 NBA teams are hosting or have hosted in-arena activities related to Chinese New Year. The NBA wesbite says this is the seventh consecutive year for the league to celebrate Chinese New Year.
