Lion Dance - Chinese New Year Dragon Dance

EMPLION :: Lion Dance 2012

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Chinese New Year Dragon Dance :: Dragon Dancing Culture

Dragon dance 舞龙; 舞龍; is a form of traditional dance and performance in Chinese Culture. Chinese often use the term "Descendants of the Dragon" (龍的傳人 or 龙的传人) as a sign of ethnic identity.

In the dance, a team of people carry the dragon — which is an image of the Chinese Dragon — on poles. The lead dancers lift, dip, thrust, and sweep the head, which may contain animated features controlled by a dancer and is sometimes rigged to belch smoke from pyrotechnic devices. The dance team mimics the supposed movements of this river spirit in a sinuous, undulating manner. The movements in a performance traditionally symbolize historical roles of dragons demonstrating power and dignity. The dragon dance is a highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations held worldwide in Chinatown around the world.

Dragons are believed to bring good luck to people, which is reflected in their qualities that include great power, dignity, fertility, wisdom and auspiciousness. The appearance of a dragon is both frightening and bold but it has a benevolent disposition, and so eventually became an emblem to represent imperial authority.

The Dragon Dance itself originated during the Han Dynasty and was started by the Chinese who had shown great belief and respect towards the dragon. It is believed to have begun as part of the farming and harvest culture, also with origins as a method of healing and preventing sickness. It was already a popular event during the Song Dynasty where it had become a folk activity and like the lion dance, was most often seen in festive celebrations.

From its origins in combining stylized depictions of natural animals, the Chinese dragon evolved to become a mythical creature revered in Chinese culture. Its physical form is a combination of many animals, including the horns of a stag, ears of a bull, eyes of a rabbit, claws of a tiger and the scales of a fish, all on a long serpent’s body. With these traits, it was believed that dragons were amphibious with the ability to move on land, fly through the air and swim in the sea, bestowing them roles as governors of cloud and rain in weather.

As the dragon gives people a feeling of great respect, it is often called the Sacred Dragon. The emperors of ancient China considered themselves as the dragon. The Dragon is also the emblem of Imperial Authority. It symbolizes supernatural power, goodness, fertility, vigilance and dignity.

The dragon dance was started by the Chinese who had shown great belief and respect towards the dragon. It is an important item of the Chinese Culture and tradition. Dragon Dance has spread throughout China and to the whole world. It becomes a special performance of arts in the Chinese physical activities. It symbolizes the bringing of good luck and prosperity in the year to come for all the human beings on earth. According to ancient history, during the period of Chun Chiu, the learning of Chinese Martial Arts was very popular and in the spare time, dragon dance was also being taught to students to provide more encouragement.

The dragon dance is performed by a skilled team whose job is to bring the motionless body to life. The dragon itself is a long serpent shaped body on poles, assembled by joining the series of hoops on each section and attaching the ornamental head and tail pieces at the ends. Traditionally, dragons were constructed of wood, with bamboo hoops on the inside and covered with a rich fabric, however in the modern era lighter materials such as aluminum and plastics have replaced the wood and heavy material.

Dragons can range in length from around 20 to 35 meters for the more acrobatic models, and up to 50 to 70 meters for the largest, parade and ceremonial styles, since part of the myth of the dragon is that the longer the creature, the more luck it will bring. The size and length of a dragon depend on the human power available, financial power, materials, skills and size of the field. Its length typically ranges from 9 sections to 15 sections long, though some dragons are as long as 46 sections.

History tells us that the dragon dance is performed in various ways, types and colors. Green is sometimes selected as a main color of the dragon, which symbolizes a great harvest. Other colors include: yellow symbolizing the solemn empire, golden or silver colors symbolizing prosperity, red color representing excitement while its scales and tail are mostly beautiful silver colors and glittering at all times which provides a feeling of joyous atmosphere.

The correct combination and proper timing of the different parts of the dragon are very important to make a successful dance. Any mistakes made by even some of the performers would spoil the whole performance. To be very successful in the dance, the head of the Dragon must be able to co-operate with the body in combination with the timing of the drum. For larger ceremonial and parade style dragons, the head can weigh as much as 14.4 kg. The dragon tail also has an important role to play as it will have to keep in time with head movements. The fifth section is considered to be the middle portion and the performers must be very alert as the body movements change from time to time.

In competition performances however, there are strict rules governing the specifications of the dragon body and the routine performed, and so dragons made for these events and what are mostly seen in the impressive stage shows are made for speed and agility, to be used by the performing team for maximum trick difficulty. In these dragons, the head is smaller and light enough to be whipped around, and must be a minimum of 3Kg, the body pieces are a light aluminum with cane and the majority of the hoops will be very thin PVC tubing. Performances are typically made into 8-10 minute routines with an accompanying percussion set.

A double dragon dance, rarely seen in Western exhibitions, involves two troupes of dancers intertwining the dragons. Even rarer are dances with the full array of nine dragons (Kawlung), since nine is a "perfect" number. Such dances involve large number of participants from various organizations, and are often only possible under the auspices of the greater community.

The patterns of the dragon dance are choreographed according to the skills and experiences acquired by the performers. Some of the patterns of the dragon dance are "Cloud Cave", "Whirlpool", Tai-Chi pattern, "threading the money", "looking for pearl", and "dragon encircling the pillar". The movement "dragon chasing the pearl" shows that the dragon is continually in the pursuit of wisdom.

The dragon moves in a wave-like pattern achieved by the co-ordinated swinging of each section in succession. Whilst this swinging constitutes the basic movement of the dragon, executing more complex formations is only limited by a team’s creativity. The patterns and tricks that are performed generally involve running into spiraled formations to make the dragon body turn and twist on itself. This causes performers to jump over or through the dragon’s body sections, adding to the visual display. Other advanced manoeuvres include various corkscrew-like rotating tricks and more acrobatic moves where the performers stand on each others legs and shoulders to increase the height of the dragon’s movements.

Performing in a dragon dance team incorporates several elements and skills; it is something of a cross-over activity, combining the training and mentality of a sports team with the stagecraft and flair of a performing arts troupe. The basic skills are simple to learn, however to become a competent performer takes dedicated training until movements become second nature and complex formations can be achieved – which rely not only on the skill of the individual member, but on concentration by the team as a whole to move in co-operation.

Dragon Dance Video Clips

Singapore Daylight Dragon Competition http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jGZ6Hs5WVQ

Malaysia Daylight Dragon Competition http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VryUYnEFjPk

Singapore Ultra Violet Dragon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCoN0CwPqOY

UK Dragon Performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmOdIyZuLKA&NR=1

Netherlands Dragon Performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4dml2lbLx4

HK Dragon Performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2BKE78W-1k

Malaysia Dragon Performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCiWTqrE55s

Malaysia Dragon Performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-07Y-P9IHM&feature=related

New video clips added :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Icoa6KrVLo nice stacking move with dragon head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbrcGuR53Is 2 person musician. useful idea, nice routine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvKHOnmq slow motion routine recording. nice mix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmbOLwp a practice routine for a competition. talented work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCKFRBiDnV4 great effort and inspiring story of the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqB_sRDweCg Spectacular Dragon Culture

Feel free to contribute to our new clip list if you have any new or old but good dragon dance clips to recommend. Contact emplion

"Learn the best from each other ... maintain, keep up and raise the standard of this culture." Js

If you are interested and serious to start a dragon team, do some research first and the best way to learn is to buy a simple and appropriate design dragon to practice routine. Lots of practice makes perfect. No shortcut. The more time and effort you put in than others, you will see the difference and better results. The right taste and style also contributes to the overall theme/look of the performance. Have Fun !
*If you like to buy a dragon, please email Emplion and we can re custom the same color or a new color for you. Custom order will be ready within 2 to 3 months.
You can also buy a Emplion dragon that are in stock now.
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6) Emplion Adult Eagle Dragon Set ( In Stock )
(DRAGON NAME : EAGLE) Click to view more pictures 1,2,3
~ Beautiful Emplion Ultra Violet (under UV lights, Glow in the dark) Dragon.
~ 18 meters (60 feet) long ultra violet printed dragon body with 10 aluminum poles.
~ Comes with fixed up PVC tubing for faster dragon set up
~ For 9 people use.
~ 1 Dragon Pearl.
~ Free Express Worldwide Shipping. Door to door home delivery. (arrival within 3 to 12 days)
~ High Quality Series. Easy to set up and ready to use.
FREE DRAGON AND LION DANCE PERFORMANCES DVD SET !
US$2500 In Stock, ready to deliver.
$2500.00 ( Free Express Shipping, arrival in 2 to 10 days )
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5) Emplion Adult Rainbow Dragon Set ( In Stock )

Click to view more pictures 1,2,3,4,5
~ Beautiful Emplion Ultra Violet (Glow in the dark) Dragon.
~ 18 meters (60 feet) long ultra violet printed dragon body with 10 aluminum poles.
~ Comes with fixed up PVC tubing for faster dragon set up
~ For 9 people use.
~ 1 Dragon Pearl.
~ Free Express Worldwide Shipping. Door to door home delivery. (arrival within 3 to 12 days)
~ High Quality Series. Easy to set up and ready to use.
FREE DRAGON AND LION DANCE PERFORMANCES DVD SET !
US$2100 In Stock, ready to deliver.
$2100.00 ( Free Express Shipping, arrival in 2 to 10 days )

Custom Order Link
   $ 500.00 ( Deposit for custom order ) Free express home delivery.
If this Rainbow Dragon is out of stock. Simply paypal Emplion a custom deposit of $500 for this dragon, balance of $1600 when dragon is ready. Once deposit is being received, we will process your custom order. Your custom dragon will be ready within 2 to 3 months time. We will send you an email with pictures and deliver the dragon to your home when it is ready.

Customer Feedback for this Dragon series:
"Hi Joshua, the dragon and lions have arrived. The dragon is super handy light. It's a good dragon. Here are some pictures of our team... Best regards."
Yannick, France
Dated Feb 23, 2011

"Hey Joshua, our dragon have arrived. It was easy to set up and it looks amazing. Thank you and let us know when our custom lions are ready."
Kelvin, USA
Dated March 5, 2011
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1) Emplion Spikes Fin Design Dragon $2500
SOLD (Custom order available)

(DRAGON NAME : EMP SPIKES FIN) Click to view more pictures 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Ultra Violet (Glow in the dark) Dragon. Yellow, Red and Orange color combi dragon.
3 Dimensional Spikes Fin Head Dragon Set
FREE DRAGON AND LION DANCE PERFORMANCES DVD SET WITH $2500 EMPLION SPIKES FIN DRAGON SET PURCHASE!
~ Beautiful Emplion Unique Spikes Fin Dragon Head.
~ 18 meters (60 feet) long dragon body and 10 aluminum poles.
~ For 9 people use.
~ 1 Dragon Pearl.
~ Free Express Shipping. Door to door home delivery. (arrival within 2 to 12 working days)
~ High Quality Series. Easy to set up and ready to use.
US$2500 SOLD.
$2500.00 ( Free Express Shipping, arrival in 2 to 10 days )

Custom Order Link
   $ 500.00 ( Deposit for custom order ) Free express home delivery.
If this Rainbow Dragon is out of stock. Simply paypal Emplion a custom deposit of $500 for this dragon, balance of $2000 when dragon is ready. Once deposit is being received, we will process your custom order. Your custom dragon will be ready within 2 to 3 months time. We will send you an email with pictures and deliver the dragon to your home when it is ready.
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2) Ultra Violet Luminous Lotus Dragon
(Pink, Green, Orange Purple Combi) SOLD

Ultra Violet Dragon.
(DRAGON NAME: LOTUS) 1,2,3,4 (SOLD)
THIS MONTH FREE DRAGON AND LION DANCE PERFORMANCES DVD SET
~Beautiful Dragon Head Shape.
~18 meters (59 ft) long Dragon body with 9 aluminum poles and rattan bellies.
~For 9 people use.
~1 Dragon Pearl.
~Free Express Shipping. Door to door delivery. (within 12 working days)
~High Quality Series. Easy to set up and ready to use.
This Dragon is specially introduced by our store for teams who wish to start a dragon team. The price and the good quality will be a great start. Special sponsored price dragon series. All the best guys, have fun !!
SOLD, please wait for restock or place custom order.
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3) Ultra Violet Luminous Dragon (3D LOTUS)
(Pink, Blue, Yellow combi) SOLD
(DRAGON NAME: 3D LOTUS) 1,2,3,4,5,6, (SOLD)
THIS MONTH FREE DRAGON AND LION DANCE PERFORMANCES DVD SET
~Beautiful Dragon Head Shape.
~18 meters (59 ft) long Dragon body with 9 aluminum poles and rattan bellies.
~For 9 people use.
~1 Dragon Pearl.
~Free Express Shipping. Door to door delivery. (within 12 working days)
~High Quality Series. Easy to set up and ready to use.
SOLD, please wait for restock or place custom order. For custom order you can choose this dragon head shape which is call 3D LOTUS. You can choose to change color combination.
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4) Baby Ultra Violet Luminous Dragon
(Rainbow, Yellow Orange, Yellow Pink, Black Gold) SOLD

Ultra Violet Baby Kids Dragons.
~Beautiful Emplion Dragon Head Shape. Comes with 18 meters long dragon body & aluminum Poles. 10 inches rim for children use. For 7 or 9 people use. Free Express Shipping. Door to door delivery.
~High Quality Series. Easy to set up and ready to use.
Selling online at only $1800. Professional Set. (SOLD)

Custom Order Link
   $ 500.00 ( Deposit for custom order ) Free express home delivery.
If this Baby Dragon set is out of stock. Simply paypal Emplion a custom deposit of $500 for this dragon, balance of $1300 when dragon is ready. Once deposit is being received, we will process your custom order. Your custom dragon will be ready within 2 to 3 months time. We will send you an email with pictures and deliver the dragon to your home when it is ready.
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A) Custom Order Adult Dragon Request

Custom Order Ultra Violet Luminous Beautiful Dragons. All Colors available.
Emplion is taking custom order of luminous dragons. If you have any specification request or have seen any dragons that you like to make. Feel free to send us a custom order request.
Please include these details for your custom order dragon.
1) Color preference for your Custom Dragon.
2) Number of people use. eg: 7 pax, 9 pax, 12 pax, 24 pax, 36 pax and above.
3) Size of dragon body. 12 inches rim size for adult dancers.
4) Date needed for the custom dragon. (usually custom dragon will be ready within 2-3 months)
5) Other special request.

Custom Dragon comes with full set of Dragon head, body, tail, rattan frames with aluminum poles,dragon pearl and free delivery. Custom Dragon is from $2100. A 30% deposit or $500 required to confirm custom dragon order.
Available Emplion dragon custom series according to your budget range. $2100, $2500, $3000, $3900 and above.

Custom Order Link
   $ 500.00 ( Deposit for custom order ) Free express home delivery.
Custom deposit of $500 for Adult dragon set, balance payment when dragon is ready. Once deposit is being received, we will process your custom order. Your custom dragon will be ready within 2 to 3 months time. We will send you an email with pictures and deliver the dragon to your home when it is ready.
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B) Emplion Dragon Dance Instrument Set (In Stock)
China Wuhan Brass Gong and Cymbals for Dragon Dance and Northern Lion Dance.

Individual instrument price as follows:
1) 10 inches Gong with Wooden Mallet $80
2) 8 inches Gong with Wooden Sticks $70
3) 7 inches Cymbals $50
4) 6 inches Cymbals $50
If you wish to buy individual instrument. Email Emplion. or paypal the money to us. We will automatically process your order. http://www.paypal.com our company paypal email is admin@emplion.com

Free Express Shipping. Door to door home delivery.
This Month Dragon Gong and Cymbal Sale. Buy above Dragon Instrument Set at only $199 !
IN STOCK. Ready to deliver
$199.00 ( Free Express Shipping, arrival in 2 to 12 days )

Pre Order Link
   $ 99.00 ( Deposit for custom order ) Free express home delivery.
If this Dragon dance gong and cymbals instruments set is out of stock. Simply paypal Emplion a pre order deposit of $99, balance of $100 when dragon instrument set is ready. Once deposit is being received, we will process your pre order. Your pre order of dragon instrument set will be ready within 2 to 3 months time. We will send you an email and deliver the instrument to your home when it is ready.
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C) Lion Dance Drum (New Stock Price)
     Good Sound

Click to view more pictures 1,2,3,4,5,
Custom Team Names on Drums 1,2,3,4,5

Emplion Unique Wood Grain Drum Series Sizes and Prices.
1) 2.4 ft (28 inches, 72 cm diameter) $600
2) 2.2 ft (26 inches, 66 cm diameter) $495
3) 2.0 ft (23 inches, 59 cm diameter) $465
4) 1.9 ft (20.5 inches, 52 cm diameter) $450
5) 1.6 ft (18 inches, 46 cm diameter) $390

$600.00 ( 2.4 ft Super Big Drum with Express free shipping )
$495.00 ( 2.2 ft Big Drum with Express free shipping )
$465.00 ( 2 ft Drum with Express free shipping )
$450.00 ( 1.9 ft Drum with Express free shipping )
$390.00 ( 1.6 ft Drum with Express free shipping )
All drums purchase from Emplion comes with free delivery to your home.

Teams from these 3 countries; Mexico, Tahiti, Mauritius. Please emailEmplion for different shipping charges. It will be slightly more expensive due to the different delivery service and fees.
Above drum prices is only extend to USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, NZ and most countries.
Custom making of team name drums, unique designs or drawings of drums are available, price to be advised upon discussing of work.