Dragon Dance

　　The dragon dance is a kind of folk dance. The players in the dragon dance take coordinated and rhythmic steps and perform to the music of loud gongs and drums. The atmosphere is reinforced by the applause of the audience and the glimmering light. The dragon dance is spectacular and impressive due to the magnificent scene it sets its diversified characteristics and outstanding performance.

　　The dragon dance is the most spectacular dance performed during the New Year. The dragon is a totem of the Chinese nation. Chinese consider dragons to be friendly and helpful creatures associated with strength, good fortune, wisdom and longevity, who can make clouds and bring them rain. People hope that by dancing the dragon dance it will bring favorable weather and drive ghosts out. Therefore, the custom goes on.

　　The dragons are made into different forms, such as the cloth dragon, grass dragon, fire dragon, bamboo dragon, paper dragon, and wooden-stool dragon. The dance accordingly has diversified models and forms.

　　Drums, cymbals and gongs are parts of the dragon dance. The drummer acts as a conductor and sets the rhythm for the other instrument players to follow. As the drummer beats faster, the ensemble also beats faster and louder. Drum-rolls and gongs may be heard from New Year's Day all the way to the 15th day of the first lunar month.