Every week, over 100 students from 7 high schools, including Galileo, Lincoln, Lowell, Washington, Balboa, Burton, and Wallenburg, participate in workshops organized by Norman Lau, founder of LionDanceMe (LDM). Students dedicate as much as 4 days a week for practice because to try and be picked to perform in a variety of shows throughout the year. But for those who aren’t picked to perform, LionDancing is great opportunity for students to connect with others.
9th grader, Ethan C. says, “LionDancing is fun because you learn more about a tradition, while having fun by performing the traditions that’s taught. Not only that, you also get to meet a lot more people and can get close with them through the various bonding events that LDM hosts.”
Members have the opportunity to travel outside of San Francisco like Las Vegas, Arizona, Malaysia, etc. Specifically for Las Vegas, 20 new recruits are able to go there and perform, however, these new recruits have to demonstrate that they’re worthy of going through how hard they train and how committed they are.
In order to be considered for traveling, members should attend as many all school practices as they can, which happen on Wednesday from 3:30-6:00 pm, Friday from 5:00-7:00 pm, and Saturday from 10am-1pm. Members learn new techniques and routines like cymbal verses, lion verses, dragon verses, and lifting techniques. It is common that at all high school practices, new lessons are taught for each practice that takes place at a warehouse where over 100 students train there. It is very crowded and supplies are often limited.
The Galileo school practices are held on Monday from 3:40-5:40 by 2 LionDanceMe workers along with 2 club coordinators. While everyone waits for the workers to come lead the lion and dragon portion of the practice, the club coordinators hold the responsibility of leading the music portion. Members also practice what they learned from previous weeks to improve their skills .
Club members appreciate how much LDM teaches them. 10th grade club coordinator, Jimmy X. says, “It feels like a lot of responsibilities, but a good learning experience. I’m learning about leadership and connecting with my peers.”
Recruiting is also a fundamental part of LDM since members are needed for performances. At Galileo, recruiting happens during school club fairs and posters hung around the school. However, the thing about LDM is that one can join at any time.
LDM brings many high school students together to fully emphasize the art of lion dancing that originated from China and spreading experiences to the youth. Norman says,‘’People want to join to meet new people and try a cultural experience.’’
Feature Image By: Calvin Liao
