How to Perform a Chinese New Year Lion Dance

The Chinese Lion Dance originated in China thousands of years ago, with one version springing from northern China and another from the south. Performing a traditional lion dance requires exceptional training and skill in Kung Fu. Chinese lion dances are done during Chinese New Year and at celebrations, such as weddings.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Gather the instruments necessary to complete the Chinese Lion Dance, including the drum, cymbals and a gong. Purchase the lion, consisting of the lion head and tail. Or make your own costume.

2. Select a story for the performance and coordinate movements and expressions with the story. Integrate the eight expressions, including happiness, anger, intoxication, rest, surprise, suspicion, ecstasy and mischievousness.

3. Move the lion according to the dance style. Northern lions use their legs to jump around as they play with items, including balls or sticks. Southern lions move their heads more intensely in rhythm with the instruments.

4. Beat the drum in rhythm to the lion's movements. The cymbals and the gong should proceed the drum player.

5. Coordinate movement so that you're walking in a zigzag pattern. This is done to counter the evil spirits, which are thought to move along straight paths.

6. Watch for the greens, which is usually in the form of lettuce. The person at the head of the lion should pick up the greens, remove the lai si (a red envelope with money inside) and then spit the lettuce out around. This symbolizes the spread of wealth.

7. Exit the area, tail first.

Tips & Warnings

• Put great effort into the quality of your performance as it is thought that the better you perform the more luck you bring.
• Integrate loud music and firecrackers to scare off the evil spirits.
• The northern lion typically has four legs and is decorated with fur, while the southern lion bears resemblance to a dragon without the horns.

[prbmenon]

on 1/12/2009 could anyone tell me how to make a dragon for chinese new year dance ??