Alix’s Reviews > Lion Dancers > Status Update

On Shoulders - an advanced level stunt wherein the lion head will jump up and stand on the tail’s shoulders, generally as a means of procuring a very high cheng. This should only be performed by skilled and experienced lion dancers.

… in their greatest endeavors. The lion will then eat the lettuce and throw it back to the client as a sign of good luck in their ventures.

Choy Cheng - to take the greens
It’s the lion’s duty to procure the cheng (choy), a lettuce hung up high in the air, and bring it back down for the client. The height of the lettuce often represents the ambitions of the individual or business. The higher the lettuce, the more ambitious the client. If the lion successfully obtains the lettuce that is hung up very high, it symbolizes the client’s success…

Sahm Pao Si - three throws of the lion head
The lion throws its head to the left, then to the right, and back to the left 3 times. It’s a powerful movement that portrays the lion getting ready for its next big moment, often a jump.

Scratching - lion will either scratch or “clean” itself, a person, or an object with its mouth as a means of a blessing. This is also performed at a doorway before a lion enters a building, which blesses the entrance of the establishment and all who enter.

Heartbeat - drum, cymbals, and gong are an integral part of a lion dance performance. Without them, the lion does not awaken.
Drum = represents the lion’s heartbeat. It thumps loud and fast when the lion is excited, and low and soft when the lion is cautious or curious.

3 bows - performed immediately after the hei si at the beginning and end of every performance. Link most show respect to the client and the Gods, before entering the building.
Lion performs three bows in succession, starting from the left, then right, then back to the left for its last bow. Movement involves the lion raising and lowering its head (bowing) toward the sun.

Hei si - first movement of the performance. Lion rises and shakes its head, throwing off sleep and greeting the morning sun with gusto. Movement is performed with high energy, to show the lion’s excitement for the day ahead.