The Lion Dance is one of the most widely spread folk dance in China. Lion is the king of animals. In Chinese tradition, lion is regarded as a mascot,(吉祥的东西) which can bring good luck. The dance has a long history with records of more than 2,000 years ago. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Lion Dance was already introduced into the royal family of the dynasty. In the Lion Dance, two people act as a lion; one waving the lion head and the other waving the lion body and tail; or one performer acts as a cub. Another person is needed to hold a silk ball to play with the lion.

Skill is the most important thing while performing the Lion Dance. After more than 2,000 years of development, there are various Lion Dances. It's one of most popular programs of dance and acrobatics troupes today.

When it is the Lantern Festival or other festive occasions, people often organize lion dance to add to the fun. If well performed, the lion dance is believed to bring luck and happiness.

好学英文网