How to make chinese lion dance head
how to make a lion head
Posted on by nnnguy
It’s been a long while since my last post.
I’ve moved houses and gone bush for a work stint hence the delay.
I’ve come home for the weekend and managed to work on the eyelids and stick on the rabbit fur. The thickness of the rabbit fur is different in the various areas of the lion. I wanted it to be as sparse as possible to give the lion’s furry bit an uneven almost unclean look. At the back of my mind as I was gluing it on was a scene early on in Jet Li’s Once Upon a Time in China part 3 when Wong Fei Hung’s father grabs a hold of one of his student’s brushes and gives him a tip on how to paint the lion heads face. His main message was along the lines of the strokes shouldn’t be too clean because no face is ever perfect or even.
Posted in Rainbow lion | Tagged chinese lion, home made lion head, how to make a lion head, lion dance, Lion dancing, lion head | 3 RepliesPosted on by nnnguy
It’s been a long time since my last post.
I’ve been busily papering my lion and the more I add on layers and see the lion come into fruitition, the more excited that I get.
In the end, I’ve used 3 layers of calligraphy paper and the initial one layer of netting.
So far it feels strong and solid. The shape of the lion is more than I can imagine.
I got a bit excited while I started papering and decided to go and get me some paint!!
Before I finished, my girlfriend also got a bit excited and started painting the top lip.
Posted in Rainbow lion | Tagged how to make a lion head, paper mache, papering | Leave a replyPosted on by nnnguy
As with my previous lion that I restored, I found the best way apply the paper mache was to hot glue netting onto the bamboo frame first, This worked by giving the paper something to stick to as well as providing a body to the paper (similar to concreters using metal rods through during construction).
In the past, I have used mosquito netting. This time round, I had some cheap curtain netting that I found at IKEA which I used.
Posted on by nnnguy
It took me over from the 12th February 2011- 27th May 2012 to get to this stage.
So a bit over a year. I must admit, the lion did hang on my wall idle for a fair bit of time as a I stared it down not really wanting to gather my equipment and sit and ponder which piece to measure next and which piece to attach on.
I’m glad I’ve gotten to this point.
A little bit of Everything: DIY Lion Dance Head
It is still a long way to CNY but I have to share this post.
Why i do it? because Jelly had been very obsessed with Lion Dance lately that she demanded I open links in YouTube on lion dance... In order to let her unleashed her passion in lion dance, I made this cute lion head with only a small carton box, small length of cloth, 2 pom poms and a few color papers. Just sharing this idea and it's up to individual's creativity to do it! You can also replace colored paper for the pompoms. There are tones of video on how to DIY your own pompoms by just using cardboard in Youtube...
| Chinese Lion Head |
It's just an idea and up to your own creativity to create your very own lion head to let your little one have some fun! Just as you wanted to know how I create this Chinese lion head below are my materials, u can replace and change as how you please... 💗 But FYI, I did all the cutting free hand, no template.
.. just make sure when you are doing cutting for anything that is symmetrical (like the eyes or the mustache) you cut them together... Just let your imagination go wild~~
Carton Box - approximate 20 cm(H) X 19.5cm (W) X 19.5cm (L)
Red Cloth - approximate 40cm (W) X 110cm (L)
Color Papers - I choose Red, White , Black and a little brown and yellow
Pom Poms - 2 pcs around 5cm diameter
A little raffia string to tie the mouth together.
Cost of the Lion Head
Cartox Box - FOC, get it from supermarket or order online to receive free carton box... LOL
Cloth - RM3/meter
Color Paper - RM 1 X 5 colors - RM5
Pom Pom from balance yarns that I have.
Raffiah string - get it FOC from tapao drinks from kopi tiam.
Glue - 1 bottle - RM 1.00
Silicone Hot Melt Glue - RM 2 for a packet of 6 - required only 1pc (RM 0.33)
Tools - RM 0.50
Total - RM 9.83
Tools
- Sciccors
- Glue
- Stapler & Staples
- Black Tape
- Pen knife
- Puncher
| Small Carton Box and Pom Poms |
1) Stick the side of the carton with tape 2) Glue the whole box with the color you prefer. 3) Prepare another small carton piece for the lower mouth piece and paste white paper 4) Cut another hole (semi circle) at the carton as the opening for kids to peek through 5) Paste color paper as the mouth (Red or other color you prefer) 6) Puncher the sides of the mouth in order to tie the mouth together later |
(I use white paper)1) I paste a red paper as the background for the lion's face and show out it's jaws 2) I use black for the mustache 3) Cut another 5 petal flower with a circle (the yellow paper can replace with aluminium paper) 4) Cut out the Eye shape - preferred to be angry looking, I paste 5 layers over layers for the eyes 5) Paste on the cloth / cape on the lion head. I use Silicone Hot Melt Glue and later stapler the sides to prevent the cape from coming out. Make sure to check the inside of the carton to check the staples not to stick out which can injured kids. 6) Tie the mouth together with a raffia string (but i stick a few layers of reinforcement ring at the back of the carton to strengthen the board in case of pulling (can replace raffia with cable tie) |
| Side View |
This is Jelly running around with the Lion Head~! LOL!
| Selfie with my little lion dancer |
| Runnign around the house with her Lion Head! |
| Jelly trying to act cute... LOL! |
| Jelly Checking the head |
| Standby wearing it |
| Jelly can't wait to run outside! |
| Little Lion Dance |
| Explore the garden |
| Non Stop Running |
| Run Run Run |
Overall Experience:-
It didn't last long with a rough kid but it manages to survive my rough Jelly for 3 days fully playing with it.
It is fun watching Jelly running around and jumping with the lion head, at least keep her utilize her energy and keeps her busy...
The price mentioned in this post are as of the date posted, as it may change from time to time.
I don't get paid by this review and all are my humble and honest review.
Chinese Lion Dance and Dragon Dance: interview with the master (GreenWord.ru)
Today we have an unprecedented conversation about the culture of China, represented by an enchanting, incredibly smiling show of the Chinese Lion and the Chinese Dragon, which is performed in Moscow by our friend Oleg San with an energetic, positive team. It all started with a fascination with Chinese culture in general, then a more specific interest in the symbolism of the Chinese Lion (an important traditional symbol of birth and death, openness to good and rejection of evil) and the Chinese Dragon (the Chinese call themselves "descendants of the dragon", it is an important symbol of good luck), and further to the implementation of the traditional Lion dance and Dragon dance, known throughout the world for their beauty and dynamism.
Oleg and his team create costumes and figures of these animals using ancient Chinese technology and, in fact, are the first to share this full-fledged layer of the mythical culture of a powerful state with Muscovites. So, a conversation with the master and manufacturer of the Lion and the Dragon, accompanied by vivid photographs of Elena Ukolova.
~ Why is Chinese culture interesting?
~ The first knowledge about Chinese culture came to me with Jackie Chan films on VHS. In addition to the images that entered my life, somewhere inside there is an incredible feeling of kinship with the state that carries the backbone of Chinese culture. From music and calligraphy to interpretation of the world around.
~ Where is the tradition of the Lion dance rooted?
~ As you know, the first lions came to China as verbal descriptions, and only then they were brought as a gift to the emperor along the Silk Road. An animal with such qualities quickly became part of folklore, the image of a protector and keeper.
The tradition of the lion dance has many stories about its origin, mythological and historical. All over Asia there is a similar action, but its roots mainly come from China.
~ Why does the lion dance?
~ According to the traditional legend, the Lion chases away Nyen, a dark spirit that terrorizes the village. In historical fact, the Chinese wars drove off an entire enemy army dressed in such costumes. One way or another, the Lion dances in order to drive away evil and bring good, creating an atmosphere of a new beginning. To do this, he has loud music, firecrackers and many magical features.
~ How did the story of your first Leo come about?
~ Once again reviewing the movie "Young Master", familiar from childhood. It begins with a magnificent lion dance with platforms and tubs. The thought arose: "Why not do such an action here!" After all, these are your favorite jumps, and drums, and Lions, such expanse for creativity! With deeds, we learned that this tradition has long been a global scale.
~ Technique and lyrics for creating the frame and costume of the Lion.
~ Ohh, the technology was not immediately unraveled. We mastered it, over and over again stopping the video filmed by a random passer-by who looked into the workshop where the Lion is made. We selected materials, consulted with well-known crafters. It took more than half a year for the first Lion. In addition to the basic manufacturing techniques, each master has his own approach to detail. This is a real expanse for creativity and ingenuity!
~ What kind of person is he who likes being inside a Leo?
~ The Lion Dance person has the qualities that any traditional dancer aspires to. Namely, in addition to skill, naturalness and purity of one's intention, to create an atmosphere of well-being and joy. Perhaps the ability to treat oneself cheerfully will also not hurt.
~ Who wants to watch the lion dance?
~ The Lion's Dance gathers a huge crowd of people, it's a very live action)) Children are delighted and tear it to pieces, adults, of course, hide their joy at the beginning, but very quickly begin to smile.
The acrobatic side of the Lion dance does not leave indifferent fans of entertainment. And the cutest character traits of the beast do not leave indifferent any female person.
~ What is the personality of Leo?
~ In addition to the established images in China:
Black Lion - for those who strive to show themselves and their skills.
Yellow Lion - considered the lion of wisdom.
Red Lion - noble.
There are many varieties of lions themselves in Asia, let's take the two most established images in China - FutSan and HokSan.
FutSan (the very first skin) are lions with powerful moves and stances. It was they who were ruled by the most capable students, representing their school of kungfu.
HokSan (younger) - this is more emphasis on the habits and realism of the bestiality of a lion, high jumps and acrobatics.
If we talk about the creative approach, in practice it became clear that the character of the Lion directly depends on the dancers in it! The same head on different people moves in completely different ways.
~ How do the characters of the two Leo members connect?
~ Like any action, the Lion dance is good when all participants are united in one live movement. And Leo, and the musicians, and the audience. In one Lion there are two people in the position of the Lion dance stance, coming from the martial arts. The participants, supporting each other in idea and technique, are like two children happily carrying a sheet on themselves.
~ How does Leo get into rhythm? What does he like about silence?
~ As we know from the world of music, it starts from silence. In the dance, the lion performs traditional movements and improvisation. The masters say that music starts from silence and returns to it. The same goes for the movements of the Lion dance. When the bass drum rhythm subsides, the silence becomes a large, filled space. We continue to see the movement and character traits of Leo.
~ What is your main musical accompaniment? Big drum?
~ Da Gu Chinese bass drum plus gong and traditional Buddhist cymbals.
~ Can you dance to an unfamiliar rhythm?
~ Easy. We fit right into the disco.
~ Where did the idea of the running dragon come from? Who made it? What does he symbolize?
~ Made by our team together. The dragon following the yin-yang balance pearl is a symbol of man's constant striving for wisdom and balance. Wisdom and balance. And the Dragon is a strong spirit and a strong body. The idea came with the Lions. We have it fire-breathing and luminous (it has a cunning gas supply through a protective tube with high-frequency piezo ignition).
~ How many participants run optimally with him? How does attunement happen?
~ 7+1: The dragon flies by itself. The wind sets the direction, and the body freely follows it. Then everyone admires the flight of the Dragon. And if everyone starts to manage, it will become like a Zen parable about a centipede.
~ Then let's calculate the optimal composition of your performance.
~ Two Lions = 4 people, 8 people for 1 Dragon and 3 musicians.
~ Is this where sport, dance, fun and ritual meet? What else?
~ There is also a lot of joy, fun, music. Also a meeting of cultures and lots and lots of life.
~ Where can I watch the Lion Dance and the Dragon Run in Moscow?
~ In Moscow, the Lion dance is extremely rare so far, so don't miss the messages about our performances. We frequently cover new case openings involving China and Asia in general. Tea shops, restaurants, clubs, yoga centers. We fit right into the disco. We amuse people at thematic events, festivals and, of course, make people happy at children's and any holidays. In general, we are the dance of the Lion and the Dragon - multi-format! Also, the Lion dance can be seen performed by some representatives from the Chinese side and some enthusiastic people. Join the clubliondance group. And all the best ...
Thank you, Oleg San, for enriching communication, positive traditions of ancient cultures to the masses and your always delicious Chinese tea!
person Vera Uzhva date_range 10/20/14 folder The world through our eyes, Man on the Planet label Ulsei, interview, Moscow, dance queue_music Byron Metcalf ~ Medicine Story
National dances of China--China.
org.cn | Han people are approximately 93.3% of the total population of China. Since ancient times, Han Chinese dances have been distinguished by their richness and variety of forms and styles. SPRING FESTIVAL DANCES Chinese Spring Festival - New Year's Day according to the agricultural calendar is the most important traditional holiday of the Han people. Many types of dances are dedicated to this holiday, the most common and also the most beloved are the DRAGON DANCE, LION DANCE and YANGE.  In addition, in some places, "dragons" have their own characteristics, in Zhejiang Province, for example, the "dragon of a hundred leaf lotus" is very common. In this dance, the girls hold images of clouds and lotuses in their hands and, following the leader, form the figure of a long dragon from the leaves, so that the impression of a dragon floating in the clouds is created. In some places, the dragon is knitted from straw, into which burning incense sticks are stuck. On a festive night, the "straw dragon" wriggles in a dance, spewing flames and smoke. There are also "dragons of the earth" that spew water from their mouths in all directions. And in some provinces south of the Yellow River, images of small dragons are tied to a bench, three men, holding on to the legs of the bench, run and dance to the thunder of timpani and drums. There are also “dragons from separate links”, “dragons from five links” and others. There are also "paper dragons" that are controlled by one person. The dance of the lion is usually performed by two, the front dancer holding the head of the beast in his hands, the legs representing the front paws of the lion, the other dancer representing the body and hind legs of the lion. The body of the "lion" is covered with a shaggy golden fabric. Both dancers must work very well in order to successfully imitate the movements of the beast. Sometimes the lion dance includes a playful and cute lion cub performed by one dancer. The lion dance involves a warrior who holds a colorful ball and teases with it the “lion”, who jumps, bends and “plays with the ball”, as it were. The whole dance takes place under the thunder of drums, gongs and other percussion instruments creating a cheerful festive mood. The lion dance is performed in a different manner. The dance of the lion requires strength and endurance from the dancers, and in addition, the skills of traditional wushu gymnastics, in order to show the strength and grace of the beast in its entirety, he must be able to do somersaults, jumps, somersaults.  .
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Apparently, this dance is associated with the ancient beliefs of the Han people, who wished to expel evil spirits on New Year's Eve, bring happiness and prosperity to their home. Lion dance gives great aesthetic pleasure. 
In one case, the “lion” stands on the ball, jumps, runs, “stands on its hind legs”, in a word, does acrobatic tricks designed to show the power and flexibility of the beast. In another, the "lion" scratches, licks its fur, rolls on the ground, shakes its mane, showing an affectionate and playful character. 
