The
Shaolin Temple Chinese Lion Dance Troupe has performed in and around California
since 1995 in such places as Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, the L.A.
Convention, Disneyland, Staple Center, Home Depot Center, USC, UCLA and
Loyola University. We perform for the festivals of Los Angeles Chinese communities
and in many local parades. The school is spokesman lion for Panda Express
and the Tea House. The lion dance dates back to the Han Dynasty (205 B.C.
to 220 A.D.) in China and during the Tang Dynasty (716-907 A.D.) when it
was at its peak. Chinese lion dancing has two traditions: the northern lion
and the older southern lion. The dance is an extension of Chinese martial
arts and is always performed by students of kung fu. In Chinese, kung fu
means hard work and the dance is a display of the strength, coordination,
and agility that come from the hard work put into practice by members of
a troupe. Shaolin monks who patterned fighting systems upon the movements
of animals, real or imaginary, devised kung fu. 
There
are styles based upon the movements of the tiger, crane, snake, eagle, praying
mantis, and dragon. Although the lion is not native to China, it is used
to symbolize courage, energy, and wisdom. Unlike the fierce tiger, the lion
is traditionally viewed as a peaceful creature that displays such virtues
as goodness and strength. The costuming of the northern lion represents
the lion dog or fu dog. This creature was known for protection and loyalty.
Southern lion is a composite of many magical and mythical elements. Its
five colors: black, red, green, white, and yellow represent the lions control
over the five directions: north, south, east, west, and center. Its curved
horn is from the phoenix; the ears and tail are from the unicorn; its protruding
forehead, adorned with a mirror to dispel bad chi, and its long beard are
from the dragon. Throughout the performance, the lion walks in a zigzag
path in order to confuse evil spirits, which are only able to walk in straight
lines. All these elements are meant to dispel bad chi, provide blessing,
and guard against misfortune.
Back
to: Styles Main Page, Top
Home l About Us l Styles l Contact Us l Photos l Calendar l Links
©
Copyright
by shaolinlomita.com 2002
info@shaolinlomita.com