Chris Low: Anatomy of Lion Dance

Saturday, Feb 13, 4:00pm

For a final festive weekend of Chinese New Year, lion head builder and dancer Chris Low visits the Center to explain the origins, symbolism and techniques of this ancient art form. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, lion head patterns and decorations synthesize many traditions, such as Buddhism, Feng Shui, and Cantonese opera. Today, the art form continues to evolve and reflect its dispersion to Chinese communities across the globe.

Low first began studying the lion dance as a young boy growing up in San Francisco’s Chinatown. He is one of few artists who have mastered both the martial arts based choreography, as well as the craftsmanship and restoration of these cultural artifacts.

Since apprenticing with acclaimed lion head artist Corey Chan through the Alliance for California Traditional Arts in 2011, Low has dedicated himself to the advancement of the tradition in Southern California through his teaching, writing, and practice.

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