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Lion Dance Houston, Texas - Traditional Southern Futsan -

     The Lion Dance has been a tradition in the Chinese culture for centuries. Believed to bring good luck and security to those who attended, the Southern Futsan (Foshan) Lion Dance was traditionally practiced and performed by Kung (Gung) Fu schools as one of the primary celebration rituals during Chinese New Year. Only loyal and dedicated students (usually adults) who had demonstrated strong martial art skills were allowed to participate in the Lion Dance. The Schools would gather and compete in the Lion Dance to show the wisdom, spirit and skill of their school. The winning school would gain great respect from the people of their community along with proceeds to help the school survive and continue to serve the community.

     Many Lion Dance teams and companies claim to perform Traditional Lion Dancing. If the Lion Dance Team does not come from a Traditional Kung (Gung) Fu school then the truth is they are only imitating the style. Traditional does not mean that the lion dance team members have to be Asian, in fact we welcome all nationalities into our school. Today some of the best Kung (Gung) Fu Practitioners in the world come from other nationalities besides Asian and the same is true for Traditional Lion Dance teams. The definition of Traditional Lion Dancing means that it is performed by a Traditional Kung (Gung) Fu School with direct lineage to a great Chinese Master who opened up their teaching to dedicated students no matter what their ethnic backgrounds were.

     In modern times the Lion Dance has evolved into contemporary Lion Dance competitions, this new style is known as Hoksan Lion Dancing. These Lions have shorter tails and happier faces and are used in standardized competitions around the world. The Dancers (often children) are taught to trot around and act more like playful dogs than powerful lions. They have eliminated the emphasis of dynamic martial arts along with the spontaneity and improvisational skills necessary to perform the original form of Lion Dancing. The original style of Southern Futsan (Foshan) Lion Dancing known for its creative, powerful and highly energetic performances is becoming harder and harder to find in it's authentic state. It is solely practiced by Traditional Kung Fu schools who adhere to the authentic styles.

     Sifu Christopher Scott spent a number of years on the world famous Master Augustine Fong's Lion Dance Team while studying martial arts under Sifu Fong. Thanks to this priceless experience, Sifu Scott is now able to continue this grand tradition. Sifu Scott was exposed to the Asian cultures before he could speak and eventually trained in Asia. His father traveled to Asia regularly until Sifu Scott was in his 20's. As a baby he shared a playpen with his best friend Saburo Usami and spent much of his youth growing up with Saburo's family. This began his life long love and respect for what the Asian cultures have to offer - click to view image.

     Our School provides world class Lion Dancing in the Houston, TX area for special events including Corporate Events, Weddings, Grand Openings, New Year Celebrations and more.

Some of our Lion Dance Performances have included Dances for -

- VN Teamwork Inc.
(with Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker in attendance)

- Frito Lay Corporation

- United States Air force

- Texas Chemical Companies

- Exxon Mobil

- Clear Lake Chinese Associations New Year's Celebration

- Clear Lake Health and Fitness Fair

- Private Weddings

© Christopher Scott, 2012