Lion Dance is a folk dance from China that is over a thousand years old. The art is also popular in other parts of Asia.

Lion Dance is often confused with the Dragon Dance, a related but separate art form. Whereas, ten or more dancers are needed to perform the Dragon Dance, two people perform the Lion Dance using a costume consisting of a large, stylized head and a short, colorful body. Another dancer wearing a round mask portrays the "Happy Monk" who leads the lion. Drums, cymbals, and gongs accompany the dancers.

Lion Dance was originally practiced as a part of training in martial arts and acrobatics. Performing the dance requires strength and stamina because of the size and weight of the costume, and because the lion's movements must be kept spirited and continuous.

The Lion Dance is performed during celebrations ans festivals, particularly the Lunar New Year (TET), because it is believed to bring good luck. Traditionally, the lion is enticed to dance by dangling Ching. Ching means green in the Chinese Language and green is the color of life and prosperity.

Our Lion Dance Troupe practices Cai Li Fo* style lion dance. Our lion dance is characterized by large and powerful movement. The stances are either extremely low or extremely high, very long or quite short, but always very energetic and powerful. When moving the head of the lion we stress realism as well as balance and power. finesse is as important as speed. One must convey the lifelike realism of the lion, while still keeping a mythilogical feel to it. By trainng ones body in the various stances of Cai Li Fo one can master the essence of the lion danceing style of Cai Li Fo.

*Cai Li Fo better known as Choy Lay Fut is characterized by long powerful movement and supple waist. Stiff and rigid movemenets are discouraged. One must stay in a circular mindset and flow. movements should not be broken but, look and feel as if flowing together.