Lion Dancing began in China over 2,000 years ago. The imagery and symbolism of the Lion was introduced from India through the influence of Buddhism. The Lion Dance is performed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The Dancing Lion is accompanied by a drum, a gong, and cymbals. Lion Dances are performed during festivals such as Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, grand openings of new businesses, and at weddings and birthday celebrations.
February 10, 11, 17, 18: Portland Lee's Association Dragon and Lion Dance Team
The Portland Lee's Association Lion Dance Team was founded in April, 2004 by Mr. Ken Lee, who imparted his lion dance knowledge and experience to Mr. Terry Lee, the Head Coach of the team. The Portland Lee's Association Lion Dance Team has performed at thousands of events and is in great demand for performances throughout the year.
The Portland Lee's Association Lion Dance Team was invited to participate in the 2009 Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade. That same year, Coach Terry Lee formalized an agreement with the Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association and the Lee's Association Lion Dance Team was given custody of the Golden Dragon, a gift from Suzhou, China to it's sister city Portland, Oregon. Thus, the Dragon Dance Team was founded, and dragon dance was added to the team's repertoire. In 2010, the team's name was officially changed to Lee's Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team.
The Lee's Association Dragon & Lion Dance participated in the Portland Rose Festival Starlight Parade in 2010 for the first time and performed with illuminated lions and the Golden Dragon. www.leeondong.org
February 24, 25: International Lion Dance Team
International Lion Dance Team is coached by Michael Choi. Mike first got involved with lion dance when he attended the CCBA Chinese Language School in 1970’s. He continued being a team participant and later became coach. He enjoys the combination of traditional dance and martial arts. The form of martial arts techniques is called Choi Li Fui. Mike’s years of experience allow him to perform in all areas of lion dance; as the lion, either head or tail; as the musician playing drum, cymbals, or gongs; or the ‘Buddha’. The lion dance team practices at the CCBA Hall. The lion symbolizes strength, stability and superiority and brings good luck and fortune. International Lion Dance Team performs during Chinese New Year to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year. Throughout the year, they also perform at weddings, grand openings, birthdays, and other celebratory events.
Lunar New Year 2024
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