Lion Dance basics

Today in kid’s class it was all lion dance (except for the 100 partner burpees).  We did the basic drum beat, the basic counter rhythm on the symbols and the basic footwork in the costume.

Why lion dance?  It’s hard work.  Holding the 15 pound head for a 15 minute performance and making it move like a cat isn’t easy.  Being bent over at a 90 degree angle, being barely able to see and playing the role is the tail is (I think) even harder and you get less glory (think bass player in the rock band).

Alright.  It’s hard work, big deal.  So are lots of things.  Why else?  Because traditionally Kung Fu practioners were called upon to do the Lion Dance.  It’s part of the curriculum at many schools. If you do Kung Fu, you do Lion Dance.

So?  There are lots of traditions out there.  Why hold on to this one?  Because it’s a performance and as such comes with all the pressures of a performance.  Students are made to show off their skills to the public.  This pressure first brings nervousness, then competence and finally confidence.  That confidence translates broadly into the student’s ability to withstand the scrutiny of their fellow humans out there in “the real world”.

Is that it?  Nope.  It makes for a great demo.  Drums, costumes, fireworks and dancing.  It’s a ready made package.

Post more reasons for the artsy side of Kung Fu to the comments.