In the vibrant city of Vancouver, a new wave is surging in the ancient art of lion dance, and it's being led by a diverse group of women and young girls. The Vancouver Chinese Lion & Dragon Dance Team, based in Richmond, B.C., is witnessing a significant shift with a 70% increase in female participants, challenging historical norms surrounding this traditional Chinese dance.
As a bright yellow lion springs to life, Teagan Lee, a spirited 12-year-old, dances with determination underneath the lively costume. In a recent practice session, she expressed, "It feels really exciting to just be in the heat of the moment."
Lion dance, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, has traditionally been a male-dominated art, often associated with martial arts skills demanding stamina, strength, and precision. Eugenia Chau, the coach of the Vancouver team, explains that lion dance is typically performed during festive occasions like Lunar New Year, symbolizing prosperity and warding off evil spirits.
Chau has witnessed a remarkable shift over the last five years, with a substantial increase in women joining her team. Currently, out of 30 team members, 20 are women. They not only learn lion dancing, a dynamic two-person performance moving the lion's head and tail, but also dragon dancing, a coordinated effort involving at least nine dancers.
According to Chau, more women are drawn to lion dance not only as a form of exercise but also to connect with their culture through this ancient art form. The dance serves as a powerful means for these women to feel empowered, challenge stereotypes, and encourage others to embrace the tradition.
Historically, lion dance's physical demands contributed to its male-centric nature. The lion's head, which used to weigh around 10 to 12 pounds, has been redesigned with lighter materials like paper mache, weighing about seven to eight pounds today. Despite the evolving landscape, there were cultural myths and taboos surrounding women's participation in lion dance rituals.
Helena Wu, Canada Research Chair in Hong Kong Studies, notes the complexity of pinpointing specific reasons for the historical gender disparity. Cultural myths and beliefs perpetuated the notion that women couldn't engage in certain rituals or touch the lion's head, creating cultural taboos around women participating in lion dance
In Vancouver, however, these norms are being challenged as more women and girls find their place in the rhythmic beats of lion dance drums, breaking barriers and embracing a rich cultural heritage.