Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu Performs Lion Dance

Members of Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, a martial arts school in Holtsville, came to the  last week to treat the audience to a spirited and auspicious lion dance, demonstrating their skills to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The Chinese regard the lion dance to be a conduit for dispensing all the fortuitousness of heaven unto the community.  In ancient symbolism, the lion represents the hopes and aspirations of the Chinese people.

Several parents with ecstatic young children in tow and those of all ages came out to take part in the festive tradition to welcome in the New Year, which fell on Feb. 3 this year.  Shaolin Kung Fu proved that in the Chinese year of the Rabbit, the lion is still king.

Gregg Zilb, owner of Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu said, "The lion dance keeps out evil spirits, brings good luck and prosperity in the New Year, and scares away all negativity.  It's supposed to be a protector.  It's very vibrant.  For martial arts schools the Chinese New Year is very important."

The lion dance is sacred in China, not just to ring in their New Year, but also for events such as restaurant openings and weddings to secure joy and good fortune in the venture.

Children and adults alike were enthralled as Zilb played the drums and his wife added cymbals while the school's Demo Team, including the owner's 14-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter, brought the elaborate, colorful paper mache and bamboo creatures to life.  The youngest dancer was just eight-years -old.

The impressive lions, all intricately handmade in China, were embodied by two dancers each:  One handling the head and the other animating the tail.

The lucky lions descended from the stage, weaving and bobbing their way through the aisles.  They surrounded those in attendance, symbolically banishing all that is bad and paving the way for a fresh start in the coming year.

Zilb encouraged the audience to engage with the mythical animals in their midst.

"I want you guys to work with the lions, the energy has to flow," he said.

The ancient dance combines art, history, mythology and Kung Fu movements.

Each colored lion is endowed with a different characteristic.  Zilb explained that red brings good luck and keeps the house clean and strong, and is supposed to ward off evil; the blue lion represents spring and the black one is a warrior lion.

"A lot of people see the lion dance on TV, which doesn't do anything for seeing a lion dance live," said Zilb.  "It almost starts to come alive as you're watching it, and playing with it."

After the moving dance sequence, Zilb answered questions from the audience and delved deeper into the history of the mysterious Chinese dance, and the philosophy of Kung Fu.  "It's my responsibility to keep the culture going.  It's a dying art," he said.

Zilb gave a brief explanation about the origin of the lion dance:  The story states that an Emperor had a dream where there were many plights and evils befalling the land and the lion would protect the dynasty from harm.  "It's to get rid of all the negativity in the home, the area," he said.  "I'm sure you guys felt happy watching the lion dance, so you're already blessed."

If you'd like to experience this ancient talismanic ritual of the Chinese New Year, on Thursday, Feb 3, Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu will be bringing their transcendent lion dance to in Ronkonkoma at 7 p.m.

Chris Liguori, 17, a Sachem High School East student was the head of the fiery red lion.

"I haven't done it in a while, it feels good being back in there," he said. "It's pretty fun." 

He will have double reason to celebrate when performing again on the Chinese New Year, which also happens to be his 18th birthday.

While Lynda Monchak from Lake Ronkonkoma was amazed by the strength and agility of the dancers, she holds a more scientific view of life, and isn't so sure about its luck-bringing potential, but conceded, "It will bring the New Year in, in an interesting light."

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