Dragon Dance – Asian Arts NY

About the Dragon Dance

The Dragon Dance (舞龙) is a traditional Chinese performance commonly seen during festive celebrations such as Lunar New Year. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes wisdom, strength, and good fortune. Variations of the dance also appear across Asia, including in Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Today, the dragon dance continues to evolve. In China, it is also practiced as a form of group fitness using lightweight dragons, making it more accessible. In New York’s Capital Region, the tradition was introduced by artist Ping Xu and has grown into a vibrant community practice, welcoming participants of all ages and backgrounds. It is now a highlight of festivals, school programs, and cultural celebrations, bringing energy, joy, and connection to audiences.

AANY Featured Dragon Dance Artists:

Wei Wei Zhang
Scott Bogardus
Robert Tait

Scott Bogardus

Scott Bogardus is a dragon dancer and cultural performer actively engaged in the Capital Region’s multicultural arts community. He has participated in numerous Lunar New Year celebrations and cultural events, bringing the energy and tradition of dragon dance to diverse audiences.

Scott trained and performed in China with the Dragon Dance Company of East Fushun, a group featured on Chinese national television. His experience abroad deepened his connection to Chinese culture and performance traditions, which he continues to share through his work.

An accomplished equestrian previously, he continues to explore movement practices, including yoga and traditional Chinese folk dance. Passionate about cultural exchange and lifelong learning, Scott enjoys connecting with new communities and continually expanding his artistic practice.

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