Return of the Lion Kings

"Return of the Lion Kings" will take place on Saturday, August 26 at the University of Manitoba Investors Athletic Centre, Fort Garry Campus. Competing for the 2006 Manitoba World Invitational Lion Dance Championship will be troupes representing China, Hong Kong, USA, and Malaysia - the nine-time World Champion.

Dragon and lion dances have been performed in China for over 2,000 years. In recent years, the lion dance has transformed, taking on the new aerial and acrobatic elements that are present in this competition. International competition also takes place biannually in Genting, Malaysia.

International lion dance competition is performed by two athletes in the lion costume on steel poles (called jong) ranging in height from 3 feet to 9.5 feet. The poles represent the lion climbing a mountain in search of the flower of immortality. The lion's movements and expressions of happiness, hesitation and fright are portrayed to the exciting accompaniment of traditional drums, cymbals and gongs. Competition is judged according to International Dragon and Lion Dance Federation rules.

Parade of Dragons and Lions

We are pleased to announce a parade of dragon and lions on Thursday, August 24, 2006, commencing from York the Hotel, proceeding along Broadway Avenue to the Legislative grounds. A public demonstration of pole lion dance accompanied by 16,000 live fire crackers will take place in the rear garden of the Legislative Building.

Thank you!

The 2006 Manitoba World Invitational Lion Dance Festival could not take place without the enthusiastic support of various ethno-cultural organizations and our many generous corporate sponsors. We owe much to our corps of dedicated volunteers.