Chinese Lion Dances for APS New Year - Feb 2011

Two brave lions ushered in a year of good luck, good health and prosperity for Altrincham Preparatory School infant pupils when they started celebrations for Chinese New Year Festival.

The lion dance was performed by Master Chen Deqing, a fifth level Kung Fu master from Kaifeng in the Henan who set up the Jin Long martial arts academy in Stockport in 1999. Chen, who teaches martial arts and performs exhibitions and workshops across the North-West, said: "In China we believe lions are brave animals which bring good luck and happiness. We traditionally feed them oranges because in the Southern dialect the word orange sounds like the word for luck and it is another powerful symbol."

This year the Chinese lunar festival begins on February 3 and will end on February 18 with the Chinese Lantern Festival, a celebration of light and hope. Chen added: "As with New Year celebrations across the world it is a time when families come together, put behind them old grievances and consider their past and what they hope to do in the future. "

In the Chinese Astrology it is the year of the rabbit. People born in the year of the rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Though they are fond of gossip they are thought to be generally kind.

Caroline Austen, Deputy Head at Altrincham Preparatory School, said: "Chen Deqing performed a breathtakingly colourful and exciting dance which thrilled our boys and helped to teach them so much about Chinese culture and custom."
APS infant pupil Kieran feeds one of the lions a lucky orange.