Lion Dancers Await ShowtimeKung Fu means "great skill achieved through hard work." You can achieve Kung Fu in anything if you diligently practice for years. Our martial arts philosophy emphasizes this effort and determination more than natural talent. Student progress is based on individual improvement, not just the achievement of a particular abstract high standard. Instructors teach control as a basic core value of the art. We show students how to become self-aware of their mind and body, and to own the responsibility for correcting their thoughts and actions. Regular feedback is given on achievements and areas for improvement, to ensure each student is actively participating in their growth process, and to reinforce that they should be proud of their specific accomplishments. Lion Dance is a ritual and cultural component of our traditional training that teaches character development above all. In many Asian cultures--especially in China--few ceremonies surpass the lion dance in importance. From ancient times to the present, lion dancing has been a cherished activity for the entire community, and helped to mark every important occasion. The performances are storytelling. The dance recreates the legend of the mythical lion that guards a gate of heaven. Stories of the lion's personality and moral transformations are acted out, including lion changes from un-harnessed aggressor to kindly protector of humanity. The lion dance is one that celebrates the power of personal growth, as well as the ultimate victory of making a new friend out of a former enemy. Different stories can be told together in one dance or in separate dances. For example: The lion eats a magic cabbage fed to it by the citizens to temper its mischief. The lion may face Kung Fu Heroes who try to tame the lion to protect the village, however, the lion skillfully thwarts their efforts, bows to them despite their aggression, and continues on his way. The lion dance team consists of one pair of people under each lion, and several musical instrument players. The musicians bring the lion to life and encourage and cheer the lion on in achieving these wisdoms. The lion begins and ends his dance by ritualistically bowing to the Heavens, to the Earth, and to the People, reminding us that his purpose is to bestow heavenly blessings and earthly good fortune on all present. The lion costume is a large and colorful paper mache head with flashing eyes and snapping jaws overlain by a long bright satin and fur cloth that ends in a tail.