Lion and Dragon Dance - Hertfordshire, London UK

Lion dance is a form of Chinese traditional dance, where the performers dress up in a lion costume and emulate the movements of the lion, accompanied by traditional music of beating drums, cymbals and gongs which synchronise with the movements of the lion. The fundamental lion dance movements can be found in many Chinese styles of martial arts.

It is believed that once upon a time an emperor had a terrible dream where evil troubled the land. So the emperor prayed to the gods for help. The gods told him that the lion being the king of the beasts would be able to fight back against these evils and protect the land. The Chinese people had not seen a lion before and so the monk combined all the magical and lucky animals he could think of, so making a lion.

The symbolic lion dance is normally performed as a ceremony to summon fortune and good luck, whilst warding away evil spirits, this vigorous dance is closely associated with the Chinese New Year celebrations and so is traditionally performed during these festivals, amongst others.

The lion costumes are beautifully coloured and come in many different variations. The lion head is beautifully adorned with fur, feathers, glitter and constructed from papier mache around a bamboo frame, with distinct features such as large blinking eyes (, a mirror on the forehead (to ward off demons), a snapping mouth and a unicorn horn in the centre of the head. The costumes are traditionally blessed before the performance to spiritually protect them.

The lion dance requires elegance and strength of the two person team used to bring life to the lion. The front controls the head, mouth, eyes and leads with skilful movements, whilst their partner acts as the body of the lion and must work in perfect co-ordination with the head.

The traditional performance of 'Cai Ching' which literally means 'plucking the greens' is the customary performance used to encourage good fortune and prosperity. In which the lion curiously approaches an offering of green vegetables and a red envelope containing money. Where the lion will chew the greens and spit them out, but keep the red envelope, which is the reward for the lion dance troupe.

During the 15 day Chinese New Year period, lion dance troupes are traditionally hired to perform at homes, schools, business premises, hotels and shopping centres to bring in good fortune during this very auspicious occasion. Although it is not unusual for lion dance troupes to also be hired outside of this period to bring in good luck and fortune for other ceremonies, events and the opening of new businesses.

To find out how we can help make your event a spectacular one to remember and to discuss your requirements in detail, please get in touch for a friendly chat.
Telephone: 01707 271213 or Email: bob@nama.co.uk

Follow Us

Journey of the Monkey King

NAMA will be performing a new show in aid of the Isabel hospice.

An original performance inspired by Chinese legend 'the Monkey King'. A family friendly action story involves traditional Chinese Martial Arts. We join the mischievous monkey king as he embarks on an epic, magical adventure to resolve the age old conflict between the warring Lion and Dragon kingdoms. Journeying across the 5 elemental worlds and encounter many legendary figures from ancient Chinese history in our hero's search for guidance.

The show will be performed at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield on Saturday 23rd November 2013. Please get in contact for more details and where to secure your tickets.

Book Now

Make sure you book your Chinese New Year 2014 Lion Dance in advance to avoid disappointment. Chinese New Year 2014 is from 31st Jan to Feb 14th, contact us now to check availablility and reserve your booking.

Testimonials

"The children were mesmerised by the whole show – I just loved watching their faces. It truly was a memorable occasion for them."
- Sandy - Samuel Ryder Academy Read More Testimonials Click Here