History of the Chinese Lion Dance

The Chinese Lion Dance is a celebratory dance usually enjoyed around Chinese New Year and other special occasions. Two dancers perform each lion, one as the head and fore-legs, and the other as the butt and hind-legs. The dancers both wear pants to match the lion’s fur, with one dancer under the oversized head, and the other bent over under a covering of “lion’s skin.” They then imitate lion like movements such as leaping, napping, scratching, and chasing their tail. The dance is usually accompanied by drums, cymbals, and a gong; playfully, and with lots of crowd involvement. This article will discuss the origin of the Chinese Lion dance and variances in style between the north and south.

Origins

Three legends exist in the Chinese culture that try and explain the origins of the Chinese lion. The first tells of a Monk who had a dream many evil spirits were about to attack China. The Monk prayed to the gods to send him a means of saving China from these evil spirits; his prayer led to a vision of a lion. Never having seen a lion before, the Monk created his own version of a lion from creatures including a dragon and unicorn – explaining why the Chinese lion does not resemble actual lions. The second legend tells of a visiting neighbor country who gave the Chinese Emperor a lion. The Emperor loved his new lion, but could not tame its’ aggressive nature. The Emperor commanded many civilians to the taming of the beast, but it was a Monk who was finally able to calm him. With pride, the Emperor showed off his new lion all around his country and stories of the incredible animal spread. The third legend tells of the animal coming down from heaven. Instead of having the natural traits of a lion, this lion was playful and enjoyed playing pranks on the country. At one point, the lion played a joke on the Emperor, enraging him so much that he cut off his head! A Chinese goddess witnessed the beheading and as a result tied his head back on with a magical red ribbon. She then gave the lion a mirror and a horn to drive away the evil spirits.

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North vs. South

Despite coming from similar origins, Chinese lion dances vary greatly between the North and the South. The Northern lion dance is popular north of the Yangtze River. Performed by either one or two people, this lion is often smaller than the southern lion. Covered in tassels, this lion will act surprised, scared, and happy, while climbing, squatting, retreating and rolling. This lion is usually accompanied by a lion tamer, or warrior, who will lead the dance. The focus for the northern lion is on kindness and dexterity. The southern lion, also called the walking lion, is most popular in the Lingnan area of China. These lion dances are more athletic, incorporating jumps, moves, and attacks. The lion will progress through 8 stages of being: happy, sad, joyous, moving, resisting, surprising, and suspicion. Both lions, however, are rich in color and energetic movements.

Conclusion

Today the Chinese Lion Dance is performed by martial artists all over the world, for a myriad of occasions. At Sifu Och Wing Chun, our martial artists practice the dance and have performed for many different audiences. You may see a Chinese Lion at a wedding, a grand opening, or even a birthday party. Significance of the lion will vary between individuals, with some believing in the lion as a great source of fortune and good luck. No matter what the occasion, the lion never fails to bring smiles and good cheer to those around him.

Chinese New Year Celebration: Why Florida’s Chinese Lion Dance Should Be on Your Radar

Experience the Magic: Florida’s Thrilling Chinese Lion Dance Performances

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The enchanting experience of Florida Chinese Lion Dance performances is highly regarded. As events unfold, vibrant displays of culture and artistry are presented. Each performance is designed to captivate audiences, showcasing traditional techniques and joyful energy.

Traditionally, the Lion Dance has been performed at various celebrations, bringing joy and good fortune. Consequently, it has become a popular entertainment choice for weddings, festivals, and corporate events. Each performance is tailored to meet the specific needs of the clients, ensuring a memorable experience. Furthermore, the talented performers undergo rigorous training to master the art, enhancing the overall quality of the show.

Chinese New Year, Asian Weddings, Corporate Events, our Florida Chinese Lion Dance and Dragon Dance is here for you. You can book your event with us online, We travel all over Florida and will gladly provide you with a variety of exciting, fun and energized performances.

The Power of Performance: Florida’s Stunning Chinese Lion Dance

Moreover, the Lion Dance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. As a result, it embodies important values such as bravery and strength. Audiences are often engaged through the lively music and intricate movements, which represent good luck and prosperity. Therefore, many individuals feel a connection to their heritage during these performances.

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Places we have performed in the past have ranged from P.F. Changs, Brandenton Museum, Jacksonville Zoo, DLP, Traders Bar and Grill, OM BAR, AA Garden Fusion, PFA, Premier Financial Alliance, Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Lincoln Academy, Many Many Asain Weddings, just to name a few.

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Moreover, the Lion Dance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. As a result, it embodies important values such as bravery and strength. Audiences are often engaged through the lively music and intricate movements, which represent good luck and prosperity. Therefore, many individuals feel a connection to their heritage during these performances.

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P.F Chang’s, Disney Hotels and Corporate Events, the Sifu Och Wing Chun Florida Lion Dance team has made it exciting and a unique spectacle. The performances are enhanced by live drumming, gongs, and cymbals. In addition, a combination of one to four lions, along with a dragon costume, can be included. Additionally, special patterns and themes are customized to align with the event’s vision.

Choose Sifu Och Wing Chun Florida’s Top Lion Dance Team

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Three key reasons highlight why Sifu Och Wing Chun should be chosen for Lion Dance performances. Firstly, a commitment to cultural preservation is demonstrated. Secondly, professional training is provided to ensure high-quality performances. Lastly, a dedication to client satisfaction is consistently upheld. Thus, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed.

Are you ready to elevate your event with a mesmerizing Lion Dance performance? Don’t wait any longer! Contact us today to book your performance and bring the magic of Chinese culture to your occasion.

Unlock the Culture: Why Florida’s Chinese Lion Dance is a Must-See Event

Traditional Lion Dance performances uplift the spirit and embody the culture of Chinese New Year.  The Footwork of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts while overcoming puzzles, obstacles and retrieving Bok Choy green leaf cabbage symbolizing good luck, fortune, and prosperity.

Celebrate Tradition: The Vibrant Art of Chinese Lion Dance in Florida

The Florida Chinese Lion Dance performance music is provided by a live Drum, gong, symbols providing live music for our clients events.

Internal Links to Related Articles:

  1. Understanding the Lion Dance Tradition
    Learn about the origins and cultural significance of the Lion Dance in Chinese celebrations.
    https://sifuochwingchun.com/understanding-the-lion-dance-tradition/
  2. The Impact of Lion Dance on Community Engagement
    Explore how Lion Dance performances foster community spirit and bring people together during events.
    https://sifuochwingchun.com/impact-of-lion-dance-on-community-engagement/
  3. Lion Dance: A Symbol of Strength and Courage
    Discover how Lion Dance embodies themes of strength and courage in Chinese culture.
    https://sifuochwingchun.com/lion-dance-symbol-of-strength-and-courage/

Florida Lion Dance Team – Book your Lion Dance Performance today!

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Chinese Lion Dance by Sifu Och Wing Chun & Photo by Rising Lotus Photography by Marilyn

Florida Chinese Lion Dance | LION DANCE FLORIDA

FLORIDA CHINESE LION DANCE | LION DANCE FLORIDA

Our Florida FLORIDA CHINESE LION DANCE chinese-new-year-lion-danceChinese lion dance team travels all over the state providing authentic fun entertainment for Asian weddings, businesses, corporations, and Chinese New Year celebrations and Chinese New Year Festivals!

Our entertainment usually starts with festive clothing, chinese lion dance music, chinese drum, symbols, and gong with the host providing food, firecrackers, festive clothing and decorations.

Modern Florida Chinese Lion Dance Performance entertainment routines have a flair for fun mixed into the lion dance entertainment and music.  Red Envelopes are provided by the host and are filled with paper money by the host and guests.  This red envelope fed to the lions mouth brings good luck and happiness throughout the year.

The Spring Festival season happens where ever there are Asain descendants that are celebrating their culture.

HOST RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LION DANCE ENTERTAINMENT

FLORIDA CHINESE LION DANCE LION DANCE FLORIDAMost hosts provide dinner, and is believed to be one of the most important meals you will eat of the year.  Sitting down and eating together enjoying food as one big family is a big part of the festivities.

From Dragon Dances, Parades, Chinese Lion Dances and even Imperial Performances that simulate the Emperor’s Wedding.  With Asain candy, Chinese snacks, and lunar moon lantern festivals.

CHINESE CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT | WEDDING

florida chinese lion dance performance entertainment sifu och wing chunThis is a festival for the entire family to gather and enjoy the past year and what is to come.  Our Florida Chinese lion dance team is a time to bring families and friends together, to bless the new year with the celebration of family and festivities.

Sifu Justin Och
11 Countries Traveled
Contact us at 863.800.0171
Regional Director for World Ving Tsun Association in charge of entire Southeastern USA
3x certified and tested as an Ip Man lineage Sifu
116 E. pine st, lakeland FL 33801
Fan page – Http://facebook.com/sifuochwingchun
Website – https://sifuochwingchun.com

Chinese New Year in Tampa | Lion dance Tampa

CHINESE NEW YEAR IN TAMPA | LION DANCE TAMPA

florida chinese lion dance performance entertainment sifu och wing chunChinese New Year in Tampa may not have a large Chinatown like other large cities in North America, but Central Florida is the proud home of Sifu Och Wing Chun, a well-known and skilled Wing Chun Kung Fu school that goes all over central florida performing for Chinese New Year in Tampa events, celebrations, weddings and corporate events.

Chinese New Year in Tampa is a proud home to the asian community that loves the culture, traditions and cultures with a grand passio.  Asain culture rich with celebration are inspirationally festive during the Lunar Moon and Chinese New Year.

Central Florida Chinese lion Dance

Chinese New Year in Tampa Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu Chinese New Year Lion dance This year Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu celebrates the Year of the Rooster with Florida Chinese Lion Dance performance, live chinese drums, symbols and gongs as well as kung fu demonstrations and prizes!  With hands-on activities for the whole family and traditional chinese lion dance performers we will ring in the New Year with great luck and fortune.

During the New Lunar Moon and Chinese New Year their is always food, singers and celebrations.

Held Every Year at the end of January to the first week in February the Chinese New Year in Tampa provided by Sifu Och Wing Chun provides the city with a real feel of the authentic celebrations and Asian traditions of the Holiday.

Chinese New Year is also known as Spring Festival and is an important, some in the Asian community say the most important celebration of the year.

Chinese New Year in Tampa Florida

From Lantern Festivals to the new moon, the first day of the Chinese New Year in Tampa falls between the January 21st and February the 20th.  Centuries old the festival was a time not only to honor deities as well as ancestors it is celebrated in countires all over Asia.  From The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Mauritius, Asutralia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

This is also a time for families to clean house, wisk away bad forture and make the new year a new you.  Activities include lighting firecrackers and Red envelopes are distributed with paper money in them into the florida chinese lion dance mouth for good fortune, wealth, and happiness.  Book our traditional cultural performances with the Chinese Lion dances. — Sifu Och Wing Chun the Year of the Rooster!

florida chinese lion dance performance entertainment sifu och wing chunSifu Justin Och
11 Countries Traveled
Contact us at 863.800.0171
Regional Director for World Ving Tsun Association in charge of entire Southeastern USA
3x certified and tested as an Ip Man lineage Sifu
116 E. pine st, lakeland FL 33801
Fan page – Http://facebook.com/sifuochwingchun
Website – https://sifuochwingchun.com

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