Chinese Lion Dance is part of the Chinese culture that dates back over 2000 years, around the Northern Han Dynasty. Its origin is rather unclear, some believed it was a gift from a Persian King, and others a folklore ritual, where the main purpose was to ward off evil spirits. Whatever it was, the energetic dance survived the test of time and remained deeply rooted in the present time. Technically speaking, there are 2 types of Chinese Lion Dance: one Northern and one Southern style. Northern style tends to concentrate on the artistic side and is commonly not very appealing, compared to Southern. The Southern style 南獅+ is the most popular Worldwide and physically demanding! We are focusing on the Southern style ONLY.
The Southern style of lion dance involves a lot of Martial Arts Elements and it is this that should interest all martial artists. Before we go into details of what they are, let’s have more information about Chinese Lion Dance. In any Chinese Martial Art, be it Hung Kuen, Wing Chun, Pak Mae, Mantis, Bah Quai, Tai Chi, etc., understanding the culture helps enhance one’s art.
Chinese Lion Dance: unlike any other Martial Arts, provides joy and happiness to the audience and the performers(i.e., success = satisfaction) and can liven up the atmosphere particularly when the drumming begins. It is socially accepted in the Chinese culture that it brings good luck and prosperity to all; particularly for business openings, weddings, or major events, like the Chinese New Year. The drumming can make your blood racing and feel good with anticipation of what is to come! A bit, like whetting your appetite ready for the main course!
Most martial arts tend to show seriousness, with a high focus on any given technique, and there is nothing wrong with that: however, it is not the same to immerse oneself in a happy mood while performing the art you love! It is a very peculiar sensation but the most enjoyable one!
Strangely, within the Chinese Lion Dance performance, you are neither defending nor attacking (i.e., don’t get hit and hit the other guy) but merely express the Chinese lion dancing art: whereas Martial Arts, Wing Chun for example, focus on defense and offense simultaneously with a purpose to finish the battle as soon as possible. The freedom to express (CLD), means that you can concentrate all your body parts to execute the movements when and where you want without the restriction of time, other than from the drumming (i.e., no threat coming at you). You pick your own desired moment and then act on it. For Chinese Lion Dance, it is important, to listen to the drumming and its rhythm, timing, and silence. In addition, you will need some way of signaling your partner when under the lion costume (e.g., inside, the tail person may give a little pat on the back of the front person, so he knows that the tail person is ready for the next move) and also the head may occasionally glance in the direction of the drummer, tilt the lion head to signify that the lion is going to the next move, so that the drummer can get ready to play the appropriate drum beats. In short, the performance requires a lot of teamwork and communication.
Any Martial Art by nature, inevitably, cannot escape its aggressive characteristic: otherwise, it won’t be called Martial Art! If a practitioner concentrates too much on its aggressive path, the practitioner may become too brutal, less kind, too arrogant, and have fewer friends. On the other hand, if he or she is over-defensive and may lack the courage to expand the art’s potential or be afraid to counterattack. In short, you will need some balance to manage both elements(i.e., defense and offense). This is why, the Chinese Lion Dance can help to manage aggression. For Wing Chun practitioners, Chinese Lion dance training can provide a way to release their ‘steam’ through physical hard work. Tai Chi practitioners can use Chinese Lion Dance training as a good way to boost their body strength and aggression. In my view, good Chinese Martial Arts should encompass the Southern Chinese Lion Dance!
Chinese Lion Dance training is intensive, with a lot of physical hard work, mimicking the actions or movements of various animals, primarily the cat(the others are the stag, mouse, and dog depending on which action is expressed at the time)Therefore, most postures and positions are in low stances; which can cause a huge load on the entire back, legs, shoulder, and arm muscles. In addition, some movements require the performers to stretch, jump, hop, and roll in a certain way, so as not to injure oneself. In short, the trainees will improve his or her stamina and will certainly enhance their fitness and strength. This is different from going to the gym or swimming: mainly, you are working as a team and the motivation to succeed is higher than if you are not. Likewise, all your muscles work together as a team; and not separately or isolated. Our Wing Chun close-quarter fighting art also follows this principle(plus a few others). It is hard work and acquiring the necessary skills needs time and effort(i.e., definition of Kung Fu). The stronger and quicker you are, the better the Martial Art is likely to surface. Chinese Lion Dance is the best and the fastest way to enhance the body in terms of strength, flexibility, communication, rhythm, and timing. The downside is very tiring, but the reward is high.
In addition to physical training, you will also need to learn drumming, and how to play the cymbals and gong accordingly. I feel that drumming is the most difficult if you are not musical-minded compared to the actual lion dance routines. Improper rhythm and timing can mess up any given movement. However, a good grasp of them can enhance the outcome. Again this is very similar in Wing Chun application or confrontation!
**** ALL MY EXISTING STUDENTS, DO TRY TO ATTEND THE CHINESE LION DANCE TRAINING (EVERY LAST WEEK (Monday) OF EACH MONTH) AT THE ARBURY COMMUNITY CENTRE. *****