The training for lion dancing can be difficult, but the teachers at my club are nice and make the activities fun. We have to do a lot of cardio, weightlifting and learn kung fu. Kung fu is the basis of lion dancing and it can be hard (and painful) to learn. The muscles you use for kung fu are different from the normal weightlifting ones, so when first starting out it can be painful. However, I enjoy doing all of this and it helps me physically and mentally keep in shape.

Lion dancing happens all year round and not just during the Lunar New Year. My group performs at birthday parties, retirement parties, weddings, graduations, business blessings, and more. We perform for the New Year celebrations a little bit before, during, and a few weeks after the New Year. I enjoy performing during the New Year because I am able to share with other people lion dancing and Chinese culture. Lion dancing during this time means a lot to me because we go to places such as my school and the place where I volunteer and perform for them and teach them about lion dancing. Seeing other people happy with our performances and showing interest when we teach them about lion dancing makes all the hard work worth it.