Honan Shaolin Golden Dragon Team®

Honan Shaolin Golden Five-Clawed Dragon Dance includes oral traditions, rituals, and music. Two types of Golden Dragons are used, differentiated by their horns: the Heaven Dragon – Tian Long 莖龍 and Divine/Rain Bringing – Shen Long 神龍. In ancient times these dances were part of the ceremonies conducted on behalf of the Imperial government. The traditional dance had thirty established patterns, each used for different occasions, entrance rules, and special rules and taboos.

Shaolin Si (少林寺) was a significant state/public monastery (Shifang Conglin 十方叢林) since ancient times. The character "Lin" (林) means 'forest,' a term only attached to the names of Imperial Monasteries. Their supervisory clergy were appointed by the Imperial throne and accountable to it. These monasteries were also required to perform ceremonies for the Emperor. A further important distinguishing feature of monasteries like Shaolin was that they were designated official places of worship. These monasteries also received their name via Imperial decree, displayed images of the Imperial Five-Clawed Golden Dragon on their roofs.

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Chinese dragons were used in two ways: first, during ancient times in Imperial Ceremonies conducted on behalf of the Imperial government; second, they were used in festive street celebrations. The street festivals are notable meeting grounds where cultural spectacles and audiences meet.  

The dragon dance is an artistic expression, specifically of Chinese culture, with a spiritual dimension firmly rooted in civic life and part of the broader community. Today the dragon dance functions in three distinct ways: its presence transforms public spaces into a rich cultural experience; symbolically, the dragon expresses authentic Chinese identity and, as a privileged means of attracting people of all cultural backgrounds together in solidarity to inspire goodwill and creativity. In addition to providing the Chinese community with a sense of identity and continuity, the dragon dance exerts an essential function in promoting physical and mental health and harmonious community life.

The Chinese Dragon Dance’s cultural meanings and social functions continue to be practiced and enriched, bearing witness to human creativity.

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Everyone is welcome to audition! There are no fees for joining the team; the only requirement is to bring your enthusiasm, commitment to weekly practices, and participation in occasional public performances. While no experience is required, there is an audition process and does take into consideration your potential to:

• Learn on the go and execute a new skill within a short timeframe.

• Physical fitness

• Learn basic dance movement patterns (舞龍).

• Willingness to commit and try new things.

• Participate in occasional public performances

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LOCATION:

The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
197 1st Street SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre is a special community centre for the Community of Chinatown, the Chinese community and the citizens of Calgary. Its objectives are to serve as a community centre and hub for Calgarians to meet and socialize, and to undertake educational and recreational programs and activities to enrich the lives of all Calgarians.

TIME:
Sundays 11 AM TO 12 Noon

CONTACT:

info@shaolinwushu.com