Lion Dance

Lion dancers perform the traditional dance in Chinese culture, in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume. The lion dance is often mistakenly referred to as dragon dance. An easy way to tell the difference is that a lion is operated by two people, while a dragon needs many people. Also, in a lion dance, the performers' faces are covered, since they are inside the lion. In a dragon dance, the performers can be seen since the dragon is held upon poles. Basic lion dance fundamental movements can be found in most Chinese martial arts.

There are generally three factors that are needed to make up the Lion Dance: the head, the tail, and the drum or musical section. The musical section is normally made up of: a drum, a gong, and multiple pairs of cymbals.
The most recognizable positions in a lion dance troupe are either the Lion's head or the drum. The tail position is often overlooked by most people and is undoubtedly one of the most difficult roles to play. The person whom is the tail must make sure that she/he follows every step that the head makes every time and also follow the music. She/he is also required to be couched over in an uncomfortable position in order to operate the tail. With recent evolutions of the lion dance, the tail becomes more important with the number of stunts and acrobatic tricks that are used today.