Chinese Dragon Dancing dancing videos and lessons

A mainstay of the Chinese culture, the “Dragon Dance” is a symbolic dance of China. In the dance, a team of dancers take the role and form of a large dragon and bring the animal to life. The dragon is a symbol of good luck, power, fertility, wisdom, and dignity for the Chinese culture and the movements in a Chinese Dragon Dance performance traditionally symbolize dragons demonstrating power and dignity.

In the dance, the dragon, which is held on large poles by many dancers, is moved around in a sinuous manner. The lead dancer raises and dips the head of the dragon while the other dancers form and carry the body. In more spectacular versions, the dragon can be made to breath smoke or fire through the use of pyrotechnics.

The dance began during the Han Dynasty as part of the farming and harvest cultural celebrations. By the Song Dynasty, the “Dragon Dance” had become a regularly popular event during festive celebrations.

This dance has become part of a nightly celebration at the EPCOT theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Additionally, the “Dragon Dance” has become a staple of the Chinese New Year Celebrations held worldwide in the Chinatown areas of most major metropolitan cities.