Performing Lion And Dragon Dance On Grand Opening

Lion and Dragon Dance at the grand opening

What is the Lion Dance?

The Lion and Dragon Dance is a traditional folk activity in Vietnamese culture, commonly organized on important occasions such as store openings, company inaugurations, year-end parties, anniversaries, and more.

The Lion Dance is performed by a team of actors wearing Lion and Dragon costumes, with unique dance steps and characteristic gestures of the three animal species. This activity symbolizes luck, prosperity, and the beginning of a new and successful endeavor.

Opening ceremony lion dance

Significance of the lion and dragon dance at the event

The Lion and Dragon dance is a street art form originating from China. It includes the Lion Dance, Dragon Dance, and Unicorn Dance, often performed during festive occasions such as Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and significant events like openings, inaugurations, year-end parties, etc. The Lion and Dragon are special mythical creatures that represent prosperity, abundance, happiness, and good luck.

The Unicorn holds the highest position among the four mythical creatures. It symbolizes auspiciousness and magnificence, as well as longevity. The Unicorn Dance will appear at the beginning of the grand opening.

Similarly, the Dragon, also one of the four mythical creatures, symbolizes prosperity and abundance. It is described as an intelligent and authoritative creature. In business, the Dragon Dance is used to demonstrate the strength and dignified charisma of leaders and managers. The Dragon Dance during the grand opening also emphasizes the determination of the leader. They will take the lead, establish good diplomatic relationships that benefit the business, and ensure smooth sailing.

Lastly, the Lion, a powerful and dominant animal, holds significant meanings comparable to the above two creatures. The Lion represents strength, robust health, and good fortune for the homeowner. Therefore, during the grand opening, the Lion Dance is used to ward off financial obstacles such as loans and capital turnover.

Benefits of the Lion and Dragon Dance at the grand opening

Creating enthusiasm and ceremonial atmosphere: The Lion Dance at the grand opening brings forth agile and graceful movements, creating an enthusiastic and ceremonial atmosphere for the event. The presence of the Lion and Dragon Dance team also evokes a sense of luck and transfers positive energy to the customers.

The Lion and Dragon Dance is well-received among people from different backgrounds. Therefore, during the grand opening, whether the Kung Fu Lion Dance is performed with new creative elements or preserves its traditional essence, it creates a comfortable and familiar feeling for the audience. Consequently, the opening program becomes more engaging and enjoyable.

Preserving cultural heritage: In addition to its significant business implications, the Lion and Dragon Dance also holds cultural value. Traditional elements such as music, costumes, and dance are preserved and continue to be showcased during the opening ceremony, introducing them to future generations.

Bringing luck and prosperity: The Unicorn Dance is considered a symbol of luck. During the performance, the Lion "dances" to chase away evil spirits, bringing favorable circumstances and fortune to the business.

The lion dance for the grand opening of Bắc Á Bank

Enhancing event attraction: The presence of the Unicorn Dance helps attract attendees as well as passersby to the company or business premises. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of advertising and marketing campaigns.

Creating a memorable impression for customers: Performing the Lion and Dragon Dance at the grand opening not only adds grandeur to the occasion but also helps participants remember the event and your business for an extended period.

For these reasons, the selection of a Lion and Dragon Dance performance for a grand opening should be given due attention, as it establishes the scale, brand, and dignity of the business without unnecessary expenditures.

The important elements of a Lion Dance performance 

Lion dance team composition

The lion dance team for an opening ceremony typically consists of:

- 2 Lions

- 1 Drummer

- 1 Cymbalist

- 2 Flag-bearers

- 2 Firecracker handlers

- 1 God of Wealth or Earth God (depending on the client's request)

Duration of Lion Dance performance

The duration of a lion dance performance at an opening ceremony usually ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The performance is accompanied by music, drumming, and the sound of firecrackers to create an energetic and festive atmosphere. Prior to the performance, the two lion heads are placed on the stage. The lion dance typically begins about 15 to 30 minutes before the actual opening ceremony, while the MC introduces the program. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the lion dance continues. Finally, the lion dance team will deliver two congratulatory phrases, commonly heard as "Khai trương hồng phát, phát tài phát lộc," which means "Wishing you a flourishing opening, abundant wealth, and good fortune."

Sections of the Lion Dance performance

The lion dance performance at an opening ceremony usually consists of five sections: the drumming section, the lion dance section, the ribbon-cutting section, the ground blessing section, and the closing section.

Drumming section: One of the most important parts of the lion dance performance is the drumming section, which takes place after the ground blessing ceremony. To attract attention and create excitement, the drums are played continuously. The number of drums played holds different symbolic meanings, such as six drums representing wealth, nine drums representing longevity, and ten drums representing luck and prosperity.

Drumming section

Lion Dance section: After the drumming section, when the guests have gathered and key figures are present, the lion dance section begins. In this section, the lion dance team moves around the stage, coordinated with music and drumming. The lion's dance steps are performed gracefully and smoothly, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere for the event.

The lion dance section concludes with the lions performing various movements and acrobatics, accompanied by the eye-catching display of firecrackers. The lion's dance is considered a prayer for prosperity, good luck, and wealth for the business, bringing excitement to the audience.

Ribbon-cutting Section: In this section of the lion dance performance, the lion dance team appears at the event along with the business owner and guests to perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ribbon is usually hung in front of the store or company and decorated with logos and welcoming messages for the opening. The ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolizes the opening of a new chapter in the business owner's career.

Ground blessing section: After completing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the representative of the grand opening will announce the purpose and invite the distinguished guests to explore the business premises. The lion dance team, accompanied by the lion, the god of wealth, and the earth god, will then proceed with the ground blessing procession, visiting each section of the establishment.

Closing Section: Finally, after completing the above steps, the lion dance team will take a group photo with the business owner to capture the beautiful moments of this significant day.

The important elements of a Dragon and Lion Dance performance

Music: Music is an essential element of the Dragon and Lion Dance. Traditional music compositions for the dance typically involve instruments such as drums, cymbals, gongs, flutes, lutes, and bells. These compositions have lively melodies, full of vitality, and blend with the distinctive rhythm of the dance, creating an impressive cultural atmosphere.

In modern times, the music for Dragon and Lion Dance has been modified to increase its attractiveness and appeal to contemporary tastes. While most of the dance movements remain traditional, the use of modern music has increased the speed and power of the Dragon and Lion dance movements. Incorporating modern music into the Dragon and Lion Dance is seen as a way to innovate, add creativity, and attract the interest of younger audiences.

However, there are opinions that argue such changes may dilute the traditional value of the art form. On the other hand, some believe that combining tradition and modernity is a way to revitalize traditional art and generate excitement among the audience.

Costumes: Costumes in the Dragon and Lion Dance are also crucial elements that showcase the elegance and sophistication of the art. The costumes for the opening ceremony dance are often made from fabrics such as silk, satin, cotton, or brocade, decorated with intricate and exquisite patterns. Notably, the lion's head is typically made of papier-mâché, representing the nobility, essence, and aesthetic of the art.

Choreography: Choreography in the Dragon and Lion Dance requires flexibility. Depending on the dance troupe and region, there may be different movements and performance styles. Movements such as jumps, human pyramids, and forceful actions are performed with synchronization and high precision, creating an alluring and refined atmosphere for the opening ceremony dance.

Choosing a Dragon and Lion Dance opening ceremony service

The Dragon and Lion Dance opening ceremony hold significant importance. Well-executed Dragon and Lion Dance performances can capture the attention of guests. Through this performance, goodwill, emotions, and the business's desires can be conveyed to the customers.

To ensure a flawless Dragon and Lion Dance performance for an opening ceremony, it is essential to search for a professional and reputable performance team. Businesses often seek professional event management companies that provide Dragon and Lion Dance opening ceremony services to collaborate with. Through these event management companies, businesses can find a high-quality and professional Dragon and Lion Dance team without spending excessive time searching and verifying.

Thien An Media - Dragon and Lion Dance service provider

Currently, Thien An Media also offers Dragon and Lion Dance opening ceremony services, along with various other event management services. If you have a need for Dragon and Lion Dance services for an opening ceremony, please contact us today for a consultation.