Lions have never lived in China—so why do “Lions” dance at Chinese New Year Celebrations?  Blending masterful Lion Dance with storytelling and martial arts, Marin Chinese Cultural Association reveals the legend behind the Lion Dance and other New Year’s traditions. Watch lions frolic with their “babies” and “climb the mountain” and learn why celebrating a new year in China is known as “Surviving the Nian.”

The Marin Chinese Cultural Association Lion Dance team was founded in 1979 and has been performing ever since at events all over the Bay Area. MCCA dances the Hok Shan style of Lion Dance from Southern China. Hok Shan means “crane mountain,” and the lion heads used are thought to resemble birds with their elongated mouths and flatter heads. The Hok Shan style of drumming is a moderate, even tempo that matches closely the movements of the lion.

Special pre-performance workshop for teachers Saturday, January 10!  Contact Youth in Arts for more information.