Deadline to register is April 15th

Chinese Lion Dance Performance

When: Tuesday, May 3rd 10:00 – 11:00

Where: ENRICHri Community Center

Who: families with kids of all ages

What:  Celebrate Culture!
The Brown University Chinese lion dance team will perform for us and they will give some background about the lion dance tradition.  

Legend and symbolism

Lion dance has been a part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, dating back to the Han Dynasty (205 BC to 220 AD) where it was primarily performed during religious festivals. Today, it continues to be performed at special events such as Chinese New Year, weddings, and the opening of businesses where it is believed to bring happiness, and good fortune.

The lion is made up of two dancers, one handling the head and one handling the body/tail. While the second dancer imitates the body of the lion, the first dancer can operate the eyes, ears, and mouth to evoke facial expressions. The lion dances to the beat created by the ensemble of large drums, cymbals, and gongs. A teaser may also take part in the performance by teasing the lion with a fan or a large ball.

Origins

There is no precise story as to the origin of lion dance, although there are several myths surrounding it. One popular story dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD). According to this legend, the emperor of China dreamed one night that a strange creature had saved his life. Wondering what this creature was, the emperor described his dream to his ministers, who told him it sounded like the lion from the west. Since this "lion" had saved him, the emperor ordered his ministers to create the creature, and it became a symbol of good luck and happiness.

Cost: $11 per family
Be sure to note all the family members attending so we have an accurate headcount

Register here  registration now closed