he lion dance is a popular recreation for the Chinese and is usually exhibited during the New Year season. Surprisingly, there are no actual lions native to China, thus the lion dance is a ritualistic tradition based on a Chinese mythological animal. According to legend, the lion dance was developed to combat supernatural forces and has become a symbol of good luck.
The lion head is constructed of paper mache, elaborately decorated wood, and a colorful length of cloth. The color of the lion indicates its age, with multi-colors representing a mature lion and black symbolizing a youthful lion.
Lion dancers must have great endurance and agility to withstand long period of time. The lead dancer must bring life to the lion by manipulating the mouth, eyes, and ears. Meanwhile, the person controlling the lion’s tail often operates from an uncomfortable, low crouched position. The purpose of lion dancing is to imitate the animal’s behavior as close as possible.
Kungfu stances and maneuvering play an integral role in the intricate foot patterns of the lion dances, and the performers must have a solid foundation. Lion dancers sometimes balance themselves upon each other’s shoulders, which can be two to three persons high.
Lion dances can be performed during any festival or special occasion.
The lion dance has close relations to kungfu. The lion dance performers train hard to master the skill as one of the discipline of the martial art . They are available for performance for special events.
Typically during the Chinese New Year, lion dancer troupes will visit the houses and shops of the Chinese community to perform the traditional custom of “cai ching” (採青), literally means “plucking the greens”, a quest by the ‘lion’ to pluck the auspicious green normally ‘vegetables’ like lettuce which in Chinese called ‘cái’(菜)that sound like ‘cái’(财)(fortune) and auspicious fruit like oranges tied to a red emvelope containing money; either hang highly or just put on a table in front of the premises. The “lion” will dance and approach the “green” and “red evelope” like a curious cat, to “eat the green” and “spit” it out leave it in a nice arrangement, like a auspicious character but keep the “red envelope”. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the business and the troupe is rewarded with the red envelope.
Lion dance is usually performed at many other important grand occasions, including Chinese traditional, cultural and religious festivals, business opening events, birthday celebrations, honour guest welcoming and wedding ceremonies by the communities.
Our performers are available for your special events. We have top-rated Lion Dance and/or Kungfu performance.
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