Asian American Mythology : The Dragon Dance And The Lion Dance

Different aspects of dances all represent something special and meaningful to each specific tribe. Firstly, the purposes of the Native American’s dances are for entertainment, religious rituals, successful hunts, harvests, to give thanks, prayer, victory, mythology, along with many more. (Weiser- Alexander and Alexander) In the video Native American Indian

For many tribes of Plains Indians whose bison-hunting culture flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, the sun dance was the major communal religious ceremony . . . the rite celebrates renewal - the spiritual rebirth of participants and their relatives as well as the regeneration of the living earth with all its components . . . The ritual, involving sacrifice and supplication to insure harmony between all living beings, continues to be practiced by many contemporary native Americans. -Elizabeth Atwood LawrenceAs the most important ritual of the nomadic Plains Indians, the Sun Dance in itself presents many ideas, beliefs, and values of these cultures. Through its rich symbolism and complicated rituals we are able to catch a glimpse

Dance began as a form of communication and storytelling. Thousands of years ago dancing served as a way for people to tell a story and helped distract themselves of the hardships they faced. Furthermore, dance was a form of storytelling through communication, which then turned into using storytelling through dance as entertainment. According to the History World, many dancers during the BC time danced in front of only a few people to get a story across. That later turned into hundreds of thousands of people as dance was used by many. Today, dance is also a form of entertainment and storytelling, but in a modern sense. However, today perfection and technique are stressed more than they were in the past. Yet, the passion for dance has not changed. Many dancers who share this passion also have many of the same qualities. Among a discourse community of trained dancers, one expects to find individuals who are healthy and active athletes, expect perfection from themselves through competition, and religiously attend dance performances.

I learned that the Sun Dance was the most important religious ceremony of many tribes in the 19th century and it occurred at the time of the Summer Solstice. It would last from four to eight days starting at sunset and then ending at sunset. I learned that everything they, do even when they start and end, has a reasoning behind it. The significance

Australian Aboriginals used danced to communicate stories of the cultural spirits and legends, along with tell stories of the past, present and future with those in their community (Cheeky Dancers, n.d.). There is a sense of pride when they dance and pass on their history and culture to the generations after them (The age, 2013). Aboriginal people are proud of their heritage and dance allows them to express their thoughts and views of the world the way they see

Chinese culture is known for their amazing myths, dragons are China's number one symbol and model of their country

The traditional war dance from Native Americans is very energetic, with a lot of beats made with the drum. There is also a singing part performed by a man. Unlike the Native American music, the traditional Japanese music is relaxing and calm. There is a singing part as well, but it is done by a woman. In the Japanese music, a string instrument is used, while in the Native American music percussion instruments are used. The Native American music and dancing are tribal; after all it is a war dance. The movement of dancing is simple and repetitive, yet stirring emotions that give us the sense that the warrior is preparing himself for battle. The lyrics, which I do not understand, let us think that the dancer is asking power from his gods, dressing

Dance is one of the most beautiful, expressive forms of art known to mankind. It expresses joy, love, sorrow, anger, and the list truly goes on for all the possible emotions that it can convey. Dance not only can express how one feels, but it can tell a story or even be used to praise a higher power. Dance has intricately played an important role to every culture over the course of time. Two forms of dance that have not only stood against the test of time but have influenced the development of other various styles of dance is none other than Classical Ballet and Modern Dance.

ascend to heaven by ridding on the back of a dragon. These dragons are be

Some examples of dances are: the Holmul Dancer, which was used for fertility ceremonies; the Ix tzul dance performed by the Hero Twins, this dance was characterized by the use of masks and the legend it told, which was how the Robinal warrior was captured and sacrificed by the Quinche lords. According to the book, The Maya Voices of the Stone, people were able to know more about Maya Dance Rites, since there has been some evidence that show some of the the dances, given the fact that they were drawn on vessels and paintings.

Around the world ,people are celebrating the Chinese New Year and the start to the Year of the dragon. Scholars say that belief in dragons are probably evolved by themselves in both Europe and China,and perhaps in America,and Australia.

The cha-cha-chá is a dance that originated in Cuba during the 1950s. It was derived from the Cuban Triple Mambo. Upon making its way to America, the dance became extremely popular and the name was shortened to the cha-cha. And it eventually evolved into ballroom cha-cha. The dance is performed to a style of music of the same name.

Shamis Way to Shaolin: The Center of Energy is a traditional cultural dance performed by Kung Fu Monks. It is a highly entertaining and visual dance that uses both artistic and ritual dance forms to capture the audience. Artistic dance is performed to express ideas and entertain the audience. Ritual dance is based on traditional and cultural aspects with a religious significance.

The overall form that is used in the Chinese Lion Dance music is in the form of Rondo. Actually from the performances we can hear that the music in all the parts are different but there is only one part that we usually will remember. Every different parts represents different motion and meaning of the emotions of the lion and the actions that the lion is doing.

In ancient North America, many Native American tribes (particularly in the southwestern) used to perform rain dances in late August, when arid weather conditions rose upon them. “The Indians of the arid Southwest were dependent upon corn for their main supply of food. In the spring they planted their corn in hills or small bunches and dependent upon rain to come and make it grow. They realized how important rain was to their survival so they danced to inform the kachinas or gods that the corn was planted and needed the life-giving rain.” (3)