Wah Lum Traditional Lion and Dragon Dance

Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi of Denver, Colorado would like to introduce our traditional Lion and Dragon Dance Performance Troupe. Wah Lum is the largest Kung Fu organization in the country. The Lion and Dragon Dance Performance Troupe has performed all over the country, NBA games, Epcot center, Disney World, Universal Studios.

The Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi of Denver, CO has 3 dragons — a kids 50 foot dragon, a 75 foot adult dragon and a 65 foot glow in the dark competition dragon. Plus, we feature 15 lions of various colors and sizes. We have the black Lion King, a baby lion, and red and green with bright lighted eyes. The Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Lion and Dragon Dance Performance Troupe performs traditional lion sets consisting of Bowing to the ancestors, Happy Lion, Walking Lion, Curious Lion, Rubbing the horn, eating, sleeping, drinking, drunken, crossing the bridge, playing with the snake and scaring away the evil spirits.

Our Lion and Dragon Dance Performance Troupe brings the Lions and Dragons alive giving one the feeling of the real thing. Whether it is climbing on the plum flower poles or spinning the dragon around the pearl it will be one of the most amazing shows you have seen. Call 303-799-9888 to schedule the Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Lion and Dragon Performance Troupe for your next event.

The History of Traditional Lion and Dragon Dance

Legend has it that lion dancing originated in China during the Tang dynasty, when an Emperor was troubled by a nightmare, which ended after he was saved by a rare and strange beast, the lion. An important part of New Year celebrations, lion dancing has long been associated with Southern Chinese systems of kung-fu, an association that dates back to the days of the Ching dynasty, when revolutionary martial artists used the lion dance as a secret means of communication. For today's student of kung-fu, the lion dance offers vigorous cardiovascular exercise as well as stance and weight training — all rolled up in one cultural package.

Lion Dance

Lion Dance murals and engravings have been found dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 221 AD). Although lions are not naturally indigenous to China, so the dance was probably developed through foreign influence. Artists created replicas of the animals using materials such as paper (mache') and bamboo. The dance eventually became a traditional part of Chinese culture.

Legend has it that the lion was made to drive off a an evil monster that was raiding Chinese villages. Since then, the lion has been considered good luck and takes part in happy occasions in Chinese communities around the world.

Festive events begin with a lion dance performed to the accompaniment of musicians playing the drum, gongs and cymbals. Two dancers play the lion and cooperate to show it sleeping, waking, scratching, stretching, eating, running and jumping. The lion may also perform special tricks such as getting laycee (lucky money). A Happy Buddha plays with the lion and takes it through its tricks. A lion is traditionally considered the "soul" of a kung fu school. It demonstrates the skill and prowess of its school as it performs.

Dragon Dance

Dragon Dance is also a good luck symbol and may be 15ft-over 100ft long. The dragon dance is always lead by the "ball" and is performed at festive occasions. Similarly to the lion dance, the dragon is performed to music with drums, cymbals and gongs.