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DE’ UNITE: SHE 101 – HIMPUNAN LAPORAN TEKNIKAL PROJEK PELAJAR

2.0 Chinese Traditional Dances

2.1 Chinese Lion Dance

Lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries in which
performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to bring good luck and fortune. Lion dance is
energetic and entertaining. According to the legend, in ancient times, the lion was the only animal that
could ward off a mythological creature known as Nian that terrorised China and devoured people on
the eve of the New Year. Usually requiring perfect co-ordination, elegance and nerves of steel, the
dance is almost always performed to the beat of the tagu, the Chinese drum, and the clanging of
cymbals. The lion dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year and other Chinese
traditional, cultural and religious festivals.

Figure 1.5 Lion Dance

2.2 Dragon Dance

Chinese dragons are a symbol of China's culture, and they are believed to bring good luck to people,
therefore the longer the dragon is in the dance, the more luck it will bring to the community. The
dragons are believed to possess qualities that include great power, dignity, fertility, wisdom and
auspiciousness. The appearance of a dragon is both fearsome and bold. Typically performed to usher
in the Chinese New Year. Usually requiring a team of over 60 people, this fantastic performance is a
dazzling display of perfect co-ordination, skill and grace. The movements in a performance traditionally
symbolize historical roles of dragons demonstrating power and dignity.

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