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CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Team Grand Ceremonies, and to welcome Calgary Schools and Associations’ Invitation
January 10, 2010
by Paul K.P. Wong
 CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Teams – Male & Female. |
The Chinese New Year – “the Year of the Tiger” -- is coming; this will be the 4,708th year in Chinese lunar calendar. The New Year day will be on February 14; according to the Gregorian calendar and western tradition, it is St. Valentine’s Day. There is a few of chances for both festivals are occurred on the same date. The last time was happened on February 14, 1953 (the Year of the Snake); the difference between the last one and this one is 57 years. Between this one and the next one will be on February 14, 2048 (the Year of the Dragon), the variation will be 38 years.
The Lion Dance is one of the most unique and traditional Chinese arts; it’s often to perform in celebrations or ceremonies, especially in Chinese New Year. The Lion Dance is combined with physical exercise, martial arts, music and cultural arts; it is good for keeping the body healthy and enjoyable.
Starting from October 14, 2009, the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens Association (CCECA) has already started a senior “Lion Dance Training” course, the training class will occur once per week. English speaking people are welcome to join into the team for work out and fun.
 The grand ceremony of the CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Team. |
According to the Chinese tradition, any new “lion” purchased have before to do the performance, it has to get a blessing first by those sponsors, supporters or any social well-known person(s). The grand ceremony of the CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Team held on January 9th 2010 at 2 p.m. at the centre. After the ceremonies, they also performed with two lion groups -- male and female and other martial arts demonstrations which were lead by the head coach, Grand master Bob Kho‘s students.
 The head coach Grand master Bob Kho. |
According to the coordinator Stanley Tse told, they already established a “CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance” team. The main reason for them to set-up the training class, is because they would like more people who are interested to participate in the team for fun and physical exercise. The grand master of the Teck Guan International Gong Fu Federation in Calgary, Master Bob Kho is the mentor of the team.
Tse also acknowledged that the team would like to promote Chinese culture to other groups of people; this is a part of their cultural exchange programs. They are willing to go to any school, association or non-profit organization in Calgary to perform the lion dance show to the students on the weekdays or weekends.
To the interested school that would like to invite the team to perform this traditional Chinese art, please feel free to contact Stanley Tse (403-269-6122, ext. 233) or email: stanley.tse@cceca.ca for the details.