Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant celebrations found in the Asian culture. Annually, our team of superb culinary, technical, entertainment, and design professionals produce an exceptional gala for 2500+ International VIP Guests.
This month we celebrate The Year of the Tiger at
Aria Las Vegas. Excitement is in the air in anticipation throughout the city!
As the ancient Chinese proverb states, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Please step this way —as we make the miles disappear— to a land steeped in abundant customs.
A previous
Special Event Magazine Gala Nominee-"The Year of the Rat" is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac. Symbolizing wealth, charm and order, this icon was the impetus for the design of this celebration at
Bellagio Resort.
Enticing, golden-boxed invitations were crafted to emulate Jianzhi, an ancient technique of Chinese paper cutting, and delivered to guests overseas. The window flower process of Jianzhi was referenced in various style elements throughout the event.
A spellbinding performance in the porte-cochère of multiple venues, featured a traditional lion dance sourced directly from China. Guests cheered at the acrobatic endeavors of performers who balanced, danced and jumped from pole to pole, seemingly defying gravity. The dancing lion paraded guests through
Bellagio to the cheers of thousands of cheering guests lining the public areas.
To enter the event space, guests traversed a boscage of manicured tangerine trees, oncidium orchids, bromeliads, and twisting pneumatophores. The floribunda flanked a centrally positioned pergola constructed of illuminated scrolling ironwork. Hand-carved, faux-stone Foo Dogs acted as guardians of the evening with their mythical powers.
Inside the ballroom, over 850 linear feet burgundy and golden crystalline drapery were installed to enshroud the 46,000-square-ft space. The drape provided a backdrop for authentic décor to coalesce with the latest in modern technology, as well as fabulous cars on display as prizes.
The parasol, which originated 2,000 years ago in China, played an integral role in the scenic design. We incorporated 180 oversized, hand-painted umbrellas and paper fans throughout to add authenticity to the event. Umbrellas adhered to mahogany Shoji-style screens were accented with 12-foot lengths of bamboo blossoming with fresh orchids and bear grass.
Twelve-foot diameter steel valances were rigged around the perimeter of the space to highlight large gold and garnet medallions signifying The Year of the Rat. Fabrics and fringe imported from the Far East wrapped illuminated sconces on each side of the medallions.
The ballroom ceiling was bedecked with 6-ft. tall floral and willow structures supporting illuminated crystal chandeliers. Hundreds of feet of crystal beads dangled within 5’ x 14’ aluminum frames, embellished with sheer fabric glowing from LED lighting. An additional 350 yards of firecracker crystalline was swagged from strategic points to create intimacy within the expansive space.
Guests savored every moment of the experience in golden
Chameleon Chairs that encircled tables draped in
Cloth Connection's alternating garnet, gold and mandarin linens, each embroidered with trailing vines.
Hand-blown crystal compotes, filled with micro-beads, Kerio roses, golden cymbidiums and Mokara orchids, sat centered on a glass Lazy Susan. Place settings included appropriate Chinese and American flatware and a hand-tied menu accented with a Swarovski crystal keepsake.
Bellagio master chefs worked tirelessly to create a meal worthy of the greatest ancient dynastic rulers. An attentive waitstaff served each course butler-style from large platters. Accompaniments to the meal were set on the Lazy Susan, as is traditional. Shark Fin Soup in hollowed-out coconuts were featured on the 9 course menu.
A 40-foot square entertainment platform was constructed in the round, beneath a 40-foot and 20-foot round truss ring. Fabrics billowed from the truss to serve as projection surfaces, and to assist in concealing dozens of intelligent lighting units, projectors, color blasters, audio equipment, and confetti cannons.
The central platform and attached runways were finished in a high-gloss, black laminate surface which accentuated the performers. Local dancers interfaced with well-known Chinese artists.
As the last sip of traditional orange juice was savored and the last Lucky Money envelope was picked from the floor—prosperity, charm and good luck were truly bestowed upon the fortuitous elite.
“Gung Hay Fat Choy”
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