Reverie Youth Lion Dance Troupe 築夢青少年舞獅團, based in Irvine, Orange Couinty, California, is an innovative lion dance company that provides young performers from 7 to 18 years the opportunity to practice their cultural roots while being involved with and serving the community by performing traditional Chinese lion shows.
Lion Dance is a demanding dicipline that requires strength, stamina, coordination, and creativity. For us, music is key to the dramatic lion dance experience and our members, all of whom are members of the Reverie Youth Chinese Orchestra, can deliver amazing musical accompaniment to the lions. Our members develop technical skills as well as teamwork and camaraderie through regular training and rehearsals.
From Lunar New Year celebrations to school assemblies and cultural festivals, our troupe brings excitement, color, and heart to every performance. Each roar, leap, and drumbeat reflects the dedication and spirit of our young performers.
Reverie Youth Lion Dance is a part of the Taiwan Arts and Culture Society of America, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that is a strong supporter of our local community and participate in many volunteer performances at libraries, schools, senior centers, community celebrations, and music and arts festivals to help enrich the cultural lives of the community.
About Us
About Lion Dance
Lion dance (舞獅) is one of the most iconic folk traditions in China's cultural sphere as well as in Vietnam (múa lân). Lion Dance is also popular in diaspora communities especially in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the U.S., Canada, and Australia. In Chinese culture, the lion dance is used to attract prosperity and good fortune, and to repel negative energy and evil spirits.
The modern lion dance includes both Northern and Southern styles. The Southern style from Guandong province is now the standard international style and is the style we perform. The Southern lion dance style is further divided into the Fut San (佛山) variant, which incorporates martial arts elements, and the Hok San (鶴山) variant, which features more lively and playful movements.
The lion dance costume does not resemble actual lions because ancient Chinese have never seen lions as they are not native to China. The first live lions came to China during the Tang Dynasty as diplomatic gifts from the Shahanshah of the Persian Sasanian Empire. The Chinese word for lion (shi, 獅) is probably derived from the Persian word for lion: šer.
Lion dance blends athleticism, music, storytelling, and community spirit into a vibrant performance that uplifts audiences of all ages. Our youth lion dance troupe empowers young performers to step into a living tradition that has inspired communities for centuries. Through high‑energy movement, stirring music, rhythmic teamwork, and cultural storytelling, students discover the joy and pride of bringing the lion to life.
