The traditional lion consists of a head that is usually made of bamboo and paper mache. It does not resemble any known lion on earth. It has a mystical look with a furry mustache, ears and eye lids, a horn like a unicorn on the top of its head, and a mirror on it's nose. It could be that travelers from Persia saw lions and described them to the creators of today's lion heads. Lion heads have aluminum and PVC pieces. This makes them lighter and more durable for the acrobatics in the modern patterns.

The colors of the lions vary like the color of the rainbow. Each color has its own significance and meaning. Traditional kung fu schools still stick to these

Another important element to the lion dance is the pattern or show. This is the sequence of moves that constitute the lion dance. In traditional times, there were pieces to the pattern that must be done. Like the compulsories of a figure skating routine there are stunts or actions that make up a complete show. The most basic elements are an opening (Hoi Jong), a eating of greens (Choy Chang) and a closing. The opening gives respect to all the necessary entities. In the most basic sense, it is the audience and is signified by three bows. It is also required to bow to all important figures and statues of gods or religious icons. This is a sign of respect and can easily offend people if not done. Also in the opening is some identifying move of the lion dance tradition. The opening can also include a short kung fu form but this is not necessary.

Today, Lion Dancing is not found in many American Kung Fu schools, but in China it is hard to find one that doesn't perform this important act. In America, the only schools I know of that perform the Lion Dance are those that are extremely traditional with Sifu's that are first generation, or their sons. Some schools I have been to have a set of equipment, but the instructors no longer know what to do with them. Needless to say, none of the American schools rely on Lion dancing for funding. The equipment is used simply as a decoration in an attempt to make the school look more traditional. The people that have a Lion Dance performed for their event are more interested in the cultural aspect of it rather than the religious. Many of the Lion Dance performances are not put on by Kung Fu schools anymore, but are done by acrobatic troupes and Chinese cultural associations. However, there are still a few that believe in the abilities of the Lion. Each Chinese New Year, they seek out!

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The instruments of the band are the Drum, Gong and Cymbal. There are no other instruments in a traditional lion dance. Even modern lion dance groups have not added more instruments. The drum is the leader of the band and has a long history in Chinese culture. The drum was first recorded in Chinese history when a famous general had a dream about leading his troupes into battle. He was faced with coordinating a large force. He decided to stretch the skin of a tiger over a barr

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1604
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)