Equipment for Youth Lion Dance Team
Donation protected
Help Our Local Youth Bring Back Lion Dance to Lane County
As you may be aware, Lane County no longer has an active Lion Dance team. This group of middle and high school students love lion dance and are dedicated to bring it back in time for the Asian Celebration and the Lunar New Year. They were previously part of a local lion dance team that was put on indefinite hold many months ago. The students know how much Lion Dance means to our local community and did not want to disappoint the many people, especially children, who look forward to seeing them every Lunar New Year. To make this possible, they need your help to purchase equipment as they currently do not have any.
Our Mission
The Golden Kỳ lân Youth Lion Dance of Lane County, Oregon is a new proposed program that provides development opportunities for local Asian American and Pacific Islander youth. Through the active participation in the Asian cultural art of Lion Dance, youth learn leadership, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, respect, integrity, volunteerism, and the value of community. While the program has adult supervision and coordination, the senior members mentor and coach younger members that help them develop their cultural identities, confidence, and unique talents. The program runs year-long with the goal of becoming its own non-profit entity.
About Our Name
Kỳ lân is a Vietnamese name for a mythical Chinese creature called “Qilin” (麒麟), that has the head of a dragon or tiger, mane of a lion, the hooves of an ox or horse, the tail of a lion or ox, scales of a fish, and it usually has one horn. Basically, it is an Asian unicorn that very much resembles the modern lion dance costume.
What is Lion Dance?
Lion dance is performed throughout the Lunar New Year, at business openings, weddings, and other special events to bring in good luck, fortune, and happiness. It is an important cultural tradition that is thought to have begun in China as long ago as 200 B.C.E. to drive away bad spirits. Modern lion dance is a colorful, high energy, martial art, and acrobatic sport that wows audiences young and old. A lion typically is comprised of two dancers who move in unison to bring the lion to life. There can be multiple lions appearing during a performance. A large round drum, cymbals and a gong provide the instrumental music. Usually, there is also a Laughing Buddha dancer. Performing lion dance well requires teamwork, dedication, practice, and skill.
The Ask
We are asking for your help to fundraise $3,000 for a new lion, drum, cymbals, gong set, costumes, and other supplies and fees for the youth to be able to be ready for our first performance at the Asian Celebration this February. They would be the only lion dance team performing at the festival this year as the Eugene area no longer has an active lion dance team. We have several students who are already practicing but need equipment to continue their learning. Also, we are looking for a space with high ceilings to practice in either on Saturdays or Sundays. Any assistance no matter how small or large will be appreciated!
NOTE: This group is in no way affiliated or sponsored by the Chinese American Benevolent Association (CABA).
As you may be aware, Lane County no longer has an active Lion Dance team. This group of middle and high school students love lion dance and are dedicated to bring it back in time for the Asian Celebration and the Lunar New Year. They were previously part of a local lion dance team that was put on indefinite hold many months ago. The students know how much Lion Dance means to our local community and did not want to disappoint the many people, especially children, who look forward to seeing them every Lunar New Year. To make this possible, they need your help to purchase equipment as they currently do not have any.
Our Mission
The Golden Kỳ lân Youth Lion Dance of Lane County, Oregon is a new proposed program that provides development opportunities for local Asian American and Pacific Islander youth. Through the active participation in the Asian cultural art of Lion Dance, youth learn leadership, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, respect, integrity, volunteerism, and the value of community. While the program has adult supervision and coordination, the senior members mentor and coach younger members that help them develop their cultural identities, confidence, and unique talents. The program runs year-long with the goal of becoming its own non-profit entity.
About Our Name
Kỳ lân is a Vietnamese name for a mythical Chinese creature called “Qilin” (麒麟), that has the head of a dragon or tiger, mane of a lion, the hooves of an ox or horse, the tail of a lion or ox, scales of a fish, and it usually has one horn. Basically, it is an Asian unicorn that very much resembles the modern lion dance costume.
What is Lion Dance?
Lion dance is performed throughout the Lunar New Year, at business openings, weddings, and other special events to bring in good luck, fortune, and happiness. It is an important cultural tradition that is thought to have begun in China as long ago as 200 B.C.E. to drive away bad spirits. Modern lion dance is a colorful, high energy, martial art, and acrobatic sport that wows audiences young and old. A lion typically is comprised of two dancers who move in unison to bring the lion to life. There can be multiple lions appearing during a performance. A large round drum, cymbals and a gong provide the instrumental music. Usually, there is also a Laughing Buddha dancer. Performing lion dance well requires teamwork, dedication, practice, and skill.
The Ask
We are asking for your help to fundraise $3,000 for a new lion, drum, cymbals, gong set, costumes, and other supplies and fees for the youth to be able to be ready for our first performance at the Asian Celebration this February. They would be the only lion dance team performing at the festival this year as the Eugene area no longer has an active lion dance team. We have several students who are already practicing but need equipment to continue their learning. Also, we are looking for a space with high ceilings to practice in either on Saturdays or Sundays. Any assistance no matter how small or large will be appreciated!
NOTE: This group is in no way affiliated or sponsored by the Chinese American Benevolent Association (CABA).
Fundraising team: Golden Kỳ lân Youth Lion Dance of Lane County (3)
Jason Mak
Organizer
Eugene, OR
David Yuen Tam
Team member
Hannah Ngo
Team member