With just over two weeks to go to the 2010 Asian Games, the host city, Guangzhou in southern China, doesn't want to miss the opportunity to showcase the country's culture and traditions.

The city especially wants to show off its Dragon and Lion Dance, and art form that originated there more than a thousand years ago.

The Hong Sheng Lion Dance team practices their moves in the village temple of ancestor worship. They take pride in the fact that their ancestors have been credited with being the best lion dancers in the country for hundreds of years.

The Lion Dance involves challenging skills: precise movements, perfect coordination, strength, and the portrayal of lions' emotions. Training requires determination and hard work.

It's not a career. Most of the dancers have a full-time job and practice only in the evening. Yet, they are passionate and determined.

Lu Weimin, lion dance trainer, said, "I've been training since I was a little boy. It's our tradition and it's important to keep it alive. It's better to sweat here than playing video games. It teaches us discipline and we become fit and physically strong. We're more confident when we're out in the world."

The team has reasons to be more confident. They performed at the opening ceremony of the last Asian Games in Doha and although the Lion Dance is not yet a competition discipline, the team is hopeful that it will be one day.

Xiao Quangui, lion dance team leader, said, "If the Lion Dance becomes a competition discipline of the Asian Games, the government will put more resources into Lion dancing. Schools and colleges will begin to teach it. It will certainly help the Chinese Lion Dance become a lot more advanced and competitive."

Dragons and lions are auspicious symbols that are said to scare away evil and bring good fortune, so the Dragon and Lion Dance is traditionally performed at Chinese lunar New Year, as well as various other festivals and celebrations.

The Hong Sheng Lion Dance Team has been invited to participate in the opening of the coming Games, and the young dancers are giving it their best. The 2010 Asian Games will be held from November 12th to 27th.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments