The Southern Lion Dance is one of the most widespread folk dances not only in China but also among the overseas Chinese in Southeast Asian countries, making it a cultural bridge for overseas Chinese who are seeking their national roots.
In Chinese tradition, the lion is regarded as a mascot, which can bring good luck, safety, and happiness. In the dance usually two people act as a lion: one waving the lion head and the other waving the lion body and tail; or one performer acts as a cub, while the other holds a silk ball to play with it. It mainly focuses on the performance of the civilian lion dance, attaching much attention to movements like scratching an itch, shaking the mane and licking the hair.
|
