Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company has announced the dates for their touring production ‘Red Firecracker: The Legend of the Lunar New Year,’ as they ready to ring in the new year at performing at arts centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Choreographed by Nai-Ni Chen, the work draws upon Chinese mythology to tell the story behind the tradition. “The production serves as an insightful exploration of the historical roots of Chinese Lunar New Year customs,” said the company in a press release. “It underscores the significance of coming together to face challenges—whether they be monsters or the passage of time itself—and celebrates the spirit of community.”
The tour schedule is as follows:
January 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Jersey City Theater Center at White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ
February 4–5, 2026
Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts (Ocean County College), Toms River, NJ
February 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM & 12:30 PM
Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
March 31, 2026, 10:00AM
Arizona State University at Gammage, Tempe, Arizona
Reflecting her roots in Asian culture, Chen has developed works with artists such as the Ahn Trio, Glen Velez, Joan La Barbara, and the New Asia Chamber Music Society. The company performs at venues and festivals including the Meet in Beijing International Arts Festival in China, Tamaulipas International Arts Festival in Mexico, Open Look Festival in Russia, and more.