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Lion Dance
The most recognisable performance in Chinese culture, and the one guests remember.
The most recognisable performance in Chinese culture, and the one guests remember.
ShowreelTwo performers work a single lion — one at the head, one at the tail — led by live drum, gong and cymbals. It is performed to bless a beginning, and it is at its best where there is an entrance to arrive through.
We perform in the Southern (Cantonese) style, the form most associated with celebration and blessing. The lion is operated by two performers moving as one animal, and led by a live percussion ensemble that sets the tempo and drives the choreography.
The lion enters and is awakened — a slow, watchful sequence where the animal seems to notice the room for the first time. It then moves among the guests, playful and unpredictable.
The centrepiece is choi cheng, the plucking of the greens: a lettuce tied with a red envelope, hung above the lion's reach. The lion hesitates, gathers itself, then seizes it and scatters the greens over the crowd.
For an opening we can add an eye-dotting ceremony, where a senior guest paints the lion's eyes to bring it to life.
Lion dance is at its most effective where there is an entrance — the arrival is part of the act. It suits ribbon-cuttings, store and office openings, a bride's arrival, and the opening of a corporate evening.
It works indoors and out, but not for a seated audience mid-dinner — the lion needs room to move among people.
The red envelope tied with the greens is the offering to the lion, and is traditionally kept by the troupe. Numbers matter too: where more than one lion performs, an odd number is considered auspicious.
Live drums are genuinely loud. Venues with noise restrictions or neighbouring events need checking in advance — tell us early and we will propose alternatives.
The lion needs a clear route in as well as a performance area, and lifts require ceiling height. We will walk the floor on arrival.
Around 6m × 6m of clear floor plus an entrance route. Ceiling height of 3.5m allows lifts. Send photographs or a floor plan and we will confirm.
Yes, frequently — atriums, restaurants, hotel ballrooms and offices. The main constraint is noise rather than space.
Loud. Live drum, gong and cymbals are integral. If your venue has restrictions, tell us at enquiry.
Yes. Two or three lions suit larger spaces and outdoor events. Numbers are usually odd, which is considered auspicious.
No. It is performed year-round for openings, weddings and celebrations. New year is simply the busiest period — book by November.
