History

The lion dance (which dates back to the Han Dynasty, 205 B.C. to 220 A.D.) is an important tradition in China. Usually the dance is part of festivities like Chinese New Year, the openings of restaurants and weddings. If well-performed, the lion dance is believed to bring luck and happiness.  Lions are also used to awaken Dragons and to scare away evil spirits.

The lion is enacted by two performers. One handles the head, made out of strong but light materials like paper-mache and bamboo, the other plays the body and the tail under a cloth that is attached to the head. The 'animal' is accompanied by a group of musicians, playing a large drum, cymbals and a gong. A DTF (Dai Tow Fut or Fat Headed Monk), teases it with a fan or a ball. The head dancer can move the lion's eyes, mouth and ears for expression of moods.

The lion dance combines art, history and kung fu moves/stances.

The instruments play beats which the lion responds to and wards off bad luck.

When the team was formed

The lion team was formed in the late 1800's initially to perform with the oldest imperial dragon 'Loong'. The team proceeded to perform for many other occasions including Easter and Chinese New Year. Today the lion team perform throughout the year around Australia with constant demand.

Training

The Lion Team has performers of all ages and as there is a constant stream of beginners, training is divided into standard and advanced. In these training sessions, the members are challenged both on an individual level and as a team, undergoing rigorous physical exercises. They learn about the Lion Dance technique, martial art stances, sequences and movements, instruments as well as various aspects of Chinese Culture.

Standard, Monday nights – 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm
Advanced, Monday nights – 5 pm to 6 pm

Please note, at this stage junior positions are full; senior positions are still available.

Different performances available

The Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Team performs with two types of lion. (The most commonly performed is the Southern Lion Dance.)

• The 'Southern Lion' which is very cat like, based on martial arts movements, being regarded as the 'protector of dragons'. This lion is often accompanied by a 'monk', who's task is to play with and encourage the lion.
  
  
• The 'Northern Lion', commonly called the 'Peking', which are from the cold north, being very dog like with long fur. Their movements are more acrobatic and playful. There are two pairs of these and one baby lion. Performers known as teasers, dance and tease the lions along the way. Both types of lions are performed with an instrumental group which includes a drum, gongs, and cymbals.

The Lion Team perform at many and varied events which include Chinese New Year (which not only takes the team all over Victoria but Australia as well), Easter in Bendigo, Cultural Events, Parades, Conferences, Corporate Events, Weddings, plus many more. Some of the dances the lions can perform are:

• The Awakening of the Lion
• The Drunken Lion
• The Donation Dance (Picking of the Green)
• Blessing Performances.

Images

Video's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZVUhtQ0Mic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v70jsgYnnkU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftd5567FdSY

Performance booking information

For more details and bookings contact us.

Top of Page

The information, layout and images on this website are protected by copyright, trademark and other forms of intellectual property rights. Unless indicated otherwise, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights in the information on this website are owned by the Bendigo Chinese Association Inc. 2008.

Website created by Troy Henderson

Sponsored by Bendigo Community Telco