Lion
The Chinese Lion Dance goes back some one thousand years.The first record of the performance of an early form of the Lion Dance dates to the early Ch’in and Han Dynasties (Third Century B.C.). The Lion Dance expresses joy and happiness. The Lion Dance plays an important role in the consecration of temples and other building, at business openings, planting and harvest times, official celebrations, and religious rites. All Lion Dancers train in Kung Fu to build the stamina and develop the techniques to perform Lion Dance.
CYSM boasts the largest number of active lion dance performers in Melbourne, performing both the Northern Lion Dance and Southern Lion Dance styles. CYSM also has major performance runs in many suburban areas during the Chinese New Year celebrations. At other times, lion dancing teams can be engaged to perform at any community or charitable events and at corporate functions. Outside of Melbourne, CYSM also regularly performs in regional and rural Victoria, such as Bairnsdale, Warnambool, Inverloch, Albury-Wodonga, and Bendigo. In 1990, CYSM represented Australia at the International Lion Dance Festival in Malaysia.
CYSM is also always willing to share its knowledge and experience and has on occasion conducted workshops at schools and for other Chinese associations so that they may also become involved, or at least gain an awareness of lion dancing.
