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The dragon is a p
 


of the Chinese and most people¶s
encounter with a Chinese Dragon is through the dragon dance.

The dragon dance involves a dragon structure connected to poles held

by the dragon dance performers. The dragon can be made from
various materials although the cloth dragon is the most common.

During a performance, the performers twist and turn the poles to

simulate a dragon drifting, flying and charging in the air or chasing a
flaming pearl accompanied by drum beats and gongs. A performance
can include several dragons in different colors and often occur together
with lion dancers.

Unlike the

 p, the dragon dance is a more complicated art
form and requires more training and management. Mistakes can occur
during a performance if performers have not developed team work and
co ordination with each other or with another dragon.

Even with team work and co ordination, the team needs to be able to
move the dragon expertly and smoothly to deliver a realistic
performance giving audience an impression of a dragon with strength
and vitality.

As a result of these challenges, a successful dragon dance team

requires all members to commit many hours of training not to mention
hard work. The most likely organizations to have this ability are
usually the p

p
, schools, martial arts schools or
professional dragon dance organizations.

Each institution will have their logos and colors and these teams may
sometimes compete against each other during competitions and even
for opportunities to perform.

Dragon dance performances occur during auspicious occasions,

religious celebrations, and 
 especially the 
. Although less common, it can also be used to welcome very
important guests to an event.
½n most 
, the dragon dance and lion dance are a must
during Chinese New Year and    p
 
 and attracts
large crowds with their gongs and bells.

The next time you watch a dragon dance performance, observe the co
ordination between performers and you can imagine the amount of
hard work they invested. Each successful performance deserves a
warm round of applause to motivate performers and to encourage
them to reach new heights.

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