Dragon Dance – Asian Arts NY

About the Dragon Dance

The Dragon Dance (舞龙) is a traditional Chinese performance often seen during festive celebrations, especially Lunar New Year, within Chinese communities worldwide. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a powerful symbol of wisdom, dignity, strength, and good fortune. Variations of the dance can also be found in other Asian countries—for example, in Japan's Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, in Vietnam during Tết and the Mid-Autumn Festival, and in Indonesia where it is known as "liang liong."

In modern China, the dragon dance has also evolved into a popular form of group fitness, with lightweight fabric dragons used in urban “square dancing.” These simplified dragons are easier to learn and can be practiced solo or in groups, making the tradition more accessible.

Dragon Dance in the NY Capital Region

In the Capital Region of New York, the dragon dance was first introduced by artist Ping Xu and has since become a vibrant part of the Chinese community. It has grown to include dancers of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Today, dragon dancers are among the most beloved performers at schools, festivals, and cultural events throughout the region—bringing joy and energy to Lunar New Year celebrations and beyond.

AANY Featured Dragon Dance Artists:

Wei Wei Zhang
Scott Bogardus
Robert Tait

AANY Featured Young Artist: Siwen Concetta Hodgkins

Siwen Concetta Hodgkins, a sophomore at Niskayuna High School, is a rising talent featured by AANY. Inspired by her mother, AANY’s Dragon Dancer Wei Wei Zhang, and driven by her own athletic spirit, Siwen has developed a deep passion for the art of public performance.

Her recent appearance at an event supporting the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) captivated the audience and left a lasting impression on all who attended.

Photo: Lion Dance Performance

About the Lion Dance

The lion dance is a traditional Chinese performance where dancers mimic a lion's movements in a costume to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. It’s commonly seen during Chinese New Year and other festivals, as well as at weddings, business openings, and special celebrations.

Accompanied by drums, cymbals, and gongs, the lively dance symbolizes prosperity and happiness.

AANY Featured Young Lion Dance Artist: The Spirited Lions

The Spirited Lions are a pair of brothers who are of Vietnamese descent. Originally from NYC, they grew up participating and observing large Lunar New Year Celebrations in the New York and Washington DC area where their family is from. Their highlight each year has been to watch lion dancers perform and visit small businesses to bring good blessings for the new year.

What started off as just two kids practicing in their parents' house escalated when the two boys wrote a letter to their school principal in 2024 requesting to perform through the hallways of their school. Since then, they have performed across the Capital Region in school assemblies, visiting classrooms to talk more about Lion Dancing. This year, they had their biggest break when they were invited to perform with a large lion dance troupe in Washington DC for this year's Lunar New Year celebration in front of thousands of people.

They are excited to share their passion for lion dancing with others.

Performance Gallery