Lion Dance - Fitness with Culture

Hey guys

Just as the Chinese New Year celebrations are coming to an end, I thought it would be appropriate to write about a form of traditional dance that is a great form of exercise too.

The Lion Dance is a traditional pugilistic dance that dates back more than 1,500 years. It is performed during auspicious occasions such as new business openings to bring good fortune and wealth to all investors. It is therefore appropriate and regularly seen during the Chinese New Year season. In addition, it is told in legendary stories that a bestial creature, the Nien, was frightened off by villagers banging on loud drums on the eve of Chinese New Year.

The dance can be categorized broadly into two styles, Northern and Southern. The Northern lions are usually red, orange and yellow with a golden head and shaggy appearance. The Southern lions have more color with a distinctive head, large eyes and a mirror on the forehead.

The dancers have to maintain a high level of fitness as the various acrobatic movements require strength, agility, endurance and balance. Furthermore, lion dance troupes usually practice some form of martial arts as well. Hence, lion dance offers vigorous cardiovascular exercise as well as stance and weight training. I dare say that you will never see an overweight lion dance performer. So if you ever get bored with your workout routine, may be it's a good time to look for a local lion dance company

Happy New Year to all you who are celebrating the Lunar New Year. And as they say,

Wishing you Good Health, Fortune and Success in this year of the Golden Pig!

AlejandroQ