Lion Dance (04)

The two most popular styles of lion dancing with the Chinese cultures are the Northern lion and the Southern lion. Although the Northern style is becoming less frequently performed, both of these styles can be set for street or stage performances.

Northern

In the north the lions usually appear in pairs. Northern lions usually have long and shaggy orange and yellow hair with either a red bow, or a green bow on its head to represent a male or female.

During a performance, northern lions resemble a Pekinese Dog or Fu Dogs and movements are very life-like. Acrobatics are very common, with stunts like lifts or balancing on a giant ball. Northern lions sometimes appear as a family, with two large "adult" lions and a pair of small "young lions". Ninghai, in Ningbo, is called the "Homeland of the Lion Dance" (狮舞之乡) for the northern variety.

Southern

Guangdong is the homeland of the southern variety. The southern horned lions are believed to be Nians.

The Southern style can be further divided into Fut San (Buddha Mountain), Hok San (Crane Mountain), Fut-Hok (minor style that exhibits a hybrid of Fut San and Hock San), Chow Gar (minor style performed by practitioners of Chow family style kung fu), and the Green Lion (Qing1 Shi1 - popular with the Fujian/Hokkien and Taiwanese). thank you

Fut San is the style many Kung Fu schools adopt. It requires powerful moves and strength in stance. The lion becomes the representation of the Kung Fu school and only the most advance students are allowed to perform.

The Hok San style is more commonly known as a contemporary style. Contemporary Hok San style combines a southern lion head with Northern lion movements. Hok San style tries to reproduce a more life-like look, realistic movements, and acrobatic stunts. Its shorter tail is also a favorite among the troupes that do pole (jong) jumping.

When the dancing lion enters a village or township, it is supposed to pay its respects first at the local Buddhist temple, then to the ancestors at the ancestral hall, and finally through the streets to bring happiness to all the people. There are three types of lions: the golden lion, representing liveliness; the red lion, representing courage; and the green lion, representing friendship....