OUR FOUNDATION
Ascent Lion Dance is a Vietnamese Catholic lion dance team based in Denver, CO, founded on the foundation of tradition, culture, and community. Our team is based at Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs Church and is composed of passionate and dedicated individuals who have over 15 years of experience in lion dancing. We recently became an official non-profit organization, which has allowed us to take our training and performances to a more professional level. However, our mission remains the same: to preserve and promote the art of lion dancing and to share it with our community. Our team values the cultural significance of lion dancing and seeks to pass on this tradition to future generations. Through our performances, we aim to showcase the beauty and excitement of lion dancing while also promoting unity, teamwork, and respect. We are proud to be a part of the Denver community and look forward to sharing our love of lion dancing with you.
WHAT IS LION DANCE?
Lion dance, or "múa lân" in Vietnamese, is a traditional Chinese performance art that dates back more than a thousand years that is now also popular in many East and Southeast Asian countries. The dance is accompanied by the beat of a drum, cymbals, and gongs, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Lion dance is often performed during Lunar New Year and other important occasions, such as weddings, business openings, and cultural festivals. The dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a cultural symbol of strength, courage, and prosperity.