For many Chinese people born in the 1980s and 1990s, the first thing that comes to mind when talking about lion dancing is the martial arts film Once Upon a Time in China III starring Jet Li in the role of Chinese martial arts master and folk hero Wong Fei-hung. .

In this classic film, Wong travels from Foshan, Guangdong province, to Beijing for a “King of Lion Dance” competition where he confronts political intrigue and the cultural clash between tradition and Western influences. As he faces personal and national challenges, Wong draws on his martial arts skills to protect those close to him and uphold his principles, creating a narrative rich in cultural heritage.

The origins of lion dance date back over a thousand years to China. Traditionally performed during Chinese New Year, cultural festivals and important occasions, this art form is meant to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.

Over time, the lion dance has become a cultural bridge connecting past and present, between East and West, through a shared appreciation of its artistic beauty and symbolic meaning.

The story of Kelvin Tran, a participant in the 2024 Chinese World Lion King Dance Championship in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, reflects this journey of cultural transmission.

Born in Australia to grandparents from Chaozhou in southern China’s Guangdong province, Tran grew up in an area of ​​Sydney where lion dancing thrives. Her parents often took her to lion dance performances, sparking her interest in the art form.

A family friend introduced him to the practice at the age of 8, marking his pivotal stage in the world of lion dance. As his passion grew, Tran co-founded the Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance Team in 2018.

Within Chinese communities, lion dancing is more than just a spectacle; it is a community activity that involves complex teamwork and rigorous training. For Tran, 24, lion dancing is a pathway to building and strengthening community connections in Australia.

“We have over 70 members, so it’s a pretty big team and it’s growing in popularity, which is great for us,” he says. This growth reflects the deepening of relationships between members. “I wouldn’t just call them friends, I call them family,” Tran emphasizes, emphasizing how lion dancing fosters family bonds that build social cohesion.

Additionally, lion dancing demonstrates community and inclusion. “We’re open to everyone,” says Tran. “At the moment the demographic is primarily Asian, but we are more than happy to welcome others to our teams.”